It was written by American Roman Catholic and at-the-time seminarian with the Paulist order (later pastoral associate) and self-taught musician and composer (Kenneth?) Ken Meltz (ref and ref).
The song was on the B-side of an album "Until he Comes, Music by Ken Meltz featuring the Roamin' Collars", released by the World Library of Sacred Music in 1971(ref). This album was accompanied by a booklet, which a visitor to this website says had sheet music, chords and words. The original publisher, WLP has confirmed in 2019 that it is now out of print (ref).
Despite the Roamin' Collars being disbanded, and the song apparently not being published again, it is still used in some places fifty years later. It was recently requested by a visitor to this website, and there is one recent recording on YouTube.
If you know any more about the song, especially where to get sheet music, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of this page.
The hour has come, believe and repent,
For the kingdom of God is at hand.
1 The restless soul longs for your peace,
Which only you can give.
Your kingdom, Lord, has come to me;
And now my heart can live.
2 The misty gloom has held its sway
The night has covered all;
O Son of God we dare to pray
And on your mercy call.
3 We live and thirst for justice Lord,
A gift beyond our power.
In faith and hope we stand restored;
The graces of the hour.
4 The mustard seed once planted low
Into a tree does grow
The kingdom of the Lord has come
And shelters his own
5 Refreshed made whole we humbly stand
Our future in your hand
How gracious are your works of love
All showered from above.
The song was on the B-side of an album "Until he Comes, Music by Ken Meltz featuring the Roamin' Collars", released by the World Library of Sacred Music in 1971(ref). This album was accompanied by a booklet, which a visitor to this website says had sheet music, chords and words. The original publisher, WLP has confirmed in 2019 that it is now out of print (ref).
Despite the Roamin' Collars being disbanded, and the song apparently not being published again, it is still used in some places fifty years later. It was recently requested by a visitor to this website, and there is one recent recording on YouTube.
If you know any more about the song, especially where to get sheet music, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of this page.
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| Image adapted from PxHere |
Downloads
No downloadable versions have been found, of either performances or the sheet music. If you know where to find one, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.Examples
Music group with keyboard - recorded live in a church-service:
Original folk-group recording:
Choir with piano:
Instrumental - up-beat piano cover:
Instrumental - electronic organ:
Lyrics
Chorus:The hour has come, believe and repent,
For the kingdom of God is at hand.
1 The restless soul longs for your peace,
Which only you can give.
Your kingdom, Lord, has come to me;
And now my heart can live.
2 The misty gloom has held its sway
The night has covered all;
O Son of God we dare to pray
And on your mercy call.
3 We live and thirst for justice Lord,
A gift beyond our power.
In faith and hope we stand restored;
The graces of the hour.
4 The mustard seed once planted low
Into a tree does grow
The kingdom of the Lord has come
And shelters his own
5 Refreshed made whole we humbly stand
Our future in your hand
How gracious are your works of love
All showered from above.
I have a copy of the "Until He Comes" booklet that includes words, music, and chords.
ReplyDeleteIncluded Songs:
1. This Is the Day
2. Epistle Response
3. Father in Heaven
4. A song of Freedom
5. Maranatha
6. David's Song
7. He Has Life Restored
8. Believe and Repent
9. In You Do I Find My Reward
10.Our Father
11.May the Lord Bless You and Keep You
12.In Praise of God
13.The Time Has Come