Song of Ruth (Father, We Come In Prayer) - Sharpe

This is a gentle folk-style hymn about faithfulness. The words are based on the story of Ruth and Naomi, as told in the Book of Ruth. It is popular for weddings - and also for funerals.

It was written by English musician and composer, Anthony Sharpe in 1983.

It published in Celebration Hymnal for Everyone, McCrimmon Publications - and lead-sheet style sheet music is still available from the composer's website (link below).

The song is set to an unnamed tune, also by Sharpe. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of G, the first few notes of the melody are D_ G_ z F F G E_ z D E B_ AF A_ with accompanying chords G / Bm / C / Am7 / D.

It should not be mistaken for Gregory Norbet's song of the same name.

Downloads

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Lead sheet (melody + guitar chords), free download from the composer's website

Examples

Singer with band, professional recording:

Singer with acoustic guitar:

Small group with instruments - words on-screen:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

1 Father, we come in prayer,
To witness to your love,
To make two hearts as one.
Father, we give ourselves to you,
We give our lives a-new, for all time.

Chorus
Wherever, you must go,
I'll be always, by your side,
Wherever you live,
You'll find me there,
For your God, is mine.

2. Jesus, we ask your help
To conquer for all time
The darkness of our land
Jesus, where we live you live too
Unite our hearts with you, in your love.

3 Spirit, we feel your pow'r
Your presence in our hearts
Be with us in each day
Spirit, may we be one in you Make all we say and do, give you praise.