The Servant Song Lyrics

stswithuns.org.uk/newsletter-nl_12022023/All of our Services for can be found on our websiteDear brothers and sisters in Christ we invite you to join our weekend masses.Today (February 11th 2023 ) we invite you to Vigil Mass at 6:00pm at OUR LADY OF LOURDES EASTNEYTomorrow – Sunday February 12th 2023 ST SWITHUNS RC CHURCH8.30 – Holy Mass(in English)10.15 – Holy Mass (in English)12.00 – Holy Mass (in English with Polish readings)with blessings to all Father Simon and the Parish Team. Why not sign up to our E-Newsletter via our website. … See MoreSee Less

stswithuns.org.uk/newsletter-nl_19022023/All of our Services for can be found on our websiteDear brothers and sisters in Christ we invite you to join our weekend masses.Today (February 18th 2023 ) we invite you to Vigil Mass at 6:00pm at OUR LADY OF LOURDES EASTNEYTomorrow – Sunday February 19th 2023 ST SWITHUNS RC CHURCH8.30 – Holy Mass(in English)10.15 – Holy Mass (in English)Polish masses are now at St Joseph’s RC Church Havantwith blessings to all Father Simon and the Parish Team. Why not sign up to our E-Newsletter via our website. … See MoreSee LessRichard Gillard, (Malmesbury, Wiltshire County, England, May 22, 1953- ). The eldest of six children, he emigrated to New Zealand with his family when he was three years old. Writes, “I’ve had almost no formal musical training. I’m a self-taught guitarist and play mostly in a folk style.” Regarding “The Servant Song,” he says it “was first published in 1978 on a record album by Scripture in Song called “Father Make Us One” and has appeared subsequently in other Scripture in Song publications including a song book entitled “Songs of Praise” which is widely used by New Zealand congregations. It has also been recorded by the St. Pauls Singers of St Pauls Anglican Church. This album, called New Harvest introduces songs and hymns from their own songbook of the same name.”Very pleasing to find this on your blog. I have the deep honour of sharing worship with Richard here in New Zealand. This is only one of his very fine writings.

Last night, just a day or two after this conversation with Vivian, I heard the song again, this time at the Maundy Thursday service at my church, Church of the Savior. As with many songs, the lyrics are simple poetry. The melody makes the song so lovely.The first time Vivian and I heard this song, we were at a taize service in a cathedral at night in Chicago. It was very beautiful. Vivian said then that it was the perfect wedding song.

I am centered by the love of God and family. Smiles are brought about being a Writer, Poet, Hiker and reader. Growth occurs as I educate my son, raise him up in the fear of the Lord, love up on my critters and live as a pastor’s wife.Based on Matt 20:26b-28 “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Oft-times though it seems like I do too little and I just don’t know how to expand beyond that. I am reminded of how Christ became a servant and that he has a purpose in doing so. How can I better be a servant? Perhaps I have too many things keeping me busy? I don’t know… but this song calls me to think more about how I can be a servant to others.Richard Gillard wrote The Servant Song in 1977. Born in England he moved to New Zealand when he was three years old. Although he showed early musical ability he received little formal training. He learned to play the ukelele and other instruments to accompany his own singing. A primary school teacher he attended an Anglican church.I know that I like to be a behind the scenes person so serving as front-line staff at the Community Kitchen isn’t my thing, but I’ve learned I can help behind the scenes to tidy/organize the pantry. Same with the Foodbank… to be the organizer, sorter of good works better for me than running around with the clients. Sometimes I wonder how to be a servant to others. With my family it’s easy right? I can tidy and clean up after them. It’s even possible to encourage my son to be a servant by picking up after himself and helping others. Finding ways to be helpful at home is easy, it’s not always so easy with those outside your home, at least for me I find. If you would like to see a list of songs by Richard Gillard you can find 24 of them at Song Select. Over the years this song has been modified to be politically correct.

I have never heard this one. I really like the call of the lyrics, though. It does call us to servant-minded. Your ponderings are interesting, too, a good challenge to consider the roles we are participating in.The first line was originally written as “Brother, let me be your servant” but has since been updated to be gender-inclusive, as either “Brother, sister, let me serve you” or “Will you let me be your servant.” Wallace uses “Sister” as the address in the first verse and then “Brother” in the repeat of that verse at the end.

Jesus’s words to his disciples in Matthew 20:26–28 inspired the song’s main theme: “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Other scriptural allusions include “And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles” (Matt. 5:41), “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15), and “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).

Written by British New Zealander Richard Gillard in 1977, “The Servant Song” (CCLI #72673) is such a beautiful expression of the Christian call to community and friendship, marked by selfless service, a walking alongside, and the bearing of one another’s joys, sorrows, and fears.