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Dear Ambrose: My congregation has sung the same Gloria for years. I would like to introduce something other than a Gloria. Do you have any suggestions?
The Book of Common Prayer gives us the option of singing a Kyrie (Lord, have mercy), a Trisagion (Holy Lord), a Gloria or “some other song of praise.” Here are some thoughts from the Hymnal 1982 and the supplement, Wonder, Love, and Praise:
- 1 Father, we praise thee Christe sanctorum
- 6 Christ, whose glory fills the skies Christ Whose Glory
- 9 Not here for high and holy things Morning Song (Stanzas 4-6, particularly effective for the fall).
- 11 Awake, my soul Morning Hymn (Stanzas 1-2)
- 373 Praise the Lord, ye heavens adore him Austria (This is an alternate tune suggested in the Hymnal 1982).
- 374 Come, let us join our cheerful songs Nun danket all und bringet Ehr (This metrical setting of Dignus Es would be wonderful for the Easter season).
- 378 From all that dwell below the skies Old 100th (This would be a good option for those hoping to ease out of “The Doxology” at the presentation).
- 399 To God with gladness sing Camano (A metrical setting of the Venite would be a good choice and give the congregation a chance to learn this wonderful tune by Richard Proulx).
- 408 Sing praise to God who reigns above Mit freuden zart
- 417 This is the feast Festival Canticle (Use selected stanzas, changing each Sunday of a season).
- 421 All glory be to God on high Allein Gott in der Höh (A metrical setting of the Gloria).
- 444 Blessed be the God of Israel Thornbury (A metrical setting of Canticle 16. This would be appropriate in Advent. It works well with the tune Llangloffan).
- 532/3 How wondrous and great Old 104th/Lyons (Old 104th is preferred since it is such a majestic tune and worthy to be taught to congregations).
- 535 Ye servants of God Paderborn
- 538 God of mercy, God of grace Lucerna Laudoniae (Chances are your congregation may not know this tune, but it would be worth using for a season so they can learn it).
- 546 Awake my soul, stretch every nerve Siroë
- 551 Rise up, ye saints of God Festal Song
- 569 God the Omnipotent! Russia (Stanzas 1-2)
- 755 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
- 782 Gracious Spirit, give your servants Abbott’s Leigh (This would make a great hymn of praise; however, due to its length, I would only use it if you omit the hymn in procession and do the acclamation and Collect for Purity from the back).
- 783 Heleluyan Muscogee Indian (This hymn could also be used before the Gospel).
- 784 Hallelujah! We sing your priase! Haleluyah! Pelo tso rona
- 786 Cantad al Señor Cantad ao Senhor (This is an excellent choice to get your congregation singing in Spanish. I would suggest using selected stanzas if doing as a Song of Praise).
- 821 Glory to God
- 822 Through north and south Lasst uns erfreuen