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I HEARD THE VOICE OF JESUS SAY
Anthem for SATB Choir and Organ

LEVEL: MEDIUM EASY
Music arranged by Christopher M. Lee (2011)
Text by Horatius Bonar (1808-1889), alt.
Themes/imagery in text: Christ’s invitation, living water, rest
Scriptural Reference: Matthew 11:28-30

Description:
This anthem breathes new life into a familiar tune. Singers may rediscover an old favorite when accompanied by the freshly original organ part filled with gently modern twists of harmony and rhythm. Stirring modulation paves the way for a rousing final stanza before the work settles down to a gentle close.

Text:
1. I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Come unto me and rest;
lay down, O weary one, lay down
your head upon my breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary, worn, and sad;
I found in him a resting place,
and he has made me glad.

2. I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Behold, I freely give
the living water, thirsty one;
stoop down and drink and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.

3. I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“I am this dark world’s light;
look unto me, your morn shall rise,
and all your day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in him my star, my sun;
and in that light of life I’ll walk
till trav’ling days are done.

                                   - Horatius Bonar, alt.
Hear music*:
Click to see score excerpt:
* Live performance by the choir of Bethesda Lutheran Church, New Haven, CT; Lars Gjerde, Music Director and Organist.

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