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544

Cantemos al Señor (O Sing unto the Lord)

Scripture References

Further Reflections on Scripture References

Psalm 96 is a firm reference, but also see Psalm 104:1-26 when we sing of God’s creative acts, and Psalm 124:1-4 and 15-24 when we sing of God’s grandness and glory.

Confessions and Statements of Faith References

Further Reflections on Confessions and Statements of Faith References

The God who was active in providing his Son for our redemption, has also been active in the course of history and in the lives of his people. His activity in the course of history began when he created all things. Belgic Confession, Article 12 teaches that God, “when it seemed good to him, created heaven and earth and all other creatures from nothing, by the Word—that is to say, by the Son.” In addition, “God created human beings from the dust of the earth and made and formed them in his image and likeness.”

 

His activity also includes his constant care for all he has created. “…He watches over us with fatherly care, sustaining all creatures under his lordship” (Belgic Confession, Article 13). Additionally, God reveals himself by this “creation, preservation and government of the universe, since that universe is before our eyes like a beautiful book...” (Belgic Confession, Article 2).

 
We also believe that God’s mighty acts are revealed “in the unfolding of covenant history…witnessing to the news that Our World Belongs to God and he loves it deeply” (Our World Belongs to God, paragraph 33). Primary among these actions in the unfolding of covenant history is “the long road of redemption to reclaim the lost as his people and the world as his kingdom” (paragraph 18). As God’s people observe his work in their lives and in history they respond with praise and adoration.

544

Cantemos al Señor (O Sing unto the Lord)

Call to Worship

Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!
Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Lord ,
for he commanded and they were created.
He established them for ever and ever;
he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
Praise the Lord from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!
Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!
Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
old and young together!
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
He has raised up a horn for his people,
praise for all his faithful,
for the people of Israel who are close to him.
Praise the Lord !
—Psalm 148, NRSV
— Worship Sourcebook Edition Two

Additional Prayers

Optional prayer
For the gift of creation, we praise you!
For the stars and planets, we praise you!
For the sun and moon, we praise you!
For the mountains and seas, we praise you!
For the trees and plants, we praise you!
For the birds and animals, we praise you!
For boys and girls, we praise you!
For women and men, we praise you!
For work and rest, we praise you!
(Add other phrases as appropriate, and conclude with the refrain.)
— Lift Up Your Hearts (http://www.liftupyourheartshymnal.org)
544

Cantemos al Señor (O Sing unto the Lord)

Tune Information

Name
ROSAS
Key
d minor
Meter
6.7.6.8 D refrain 4.4.6.4

Musical Suggestion

Rising and falling naturally, in easy harmonic intervals, this melody finds its climax at the first “Alleluya” of the refrain. Emphasize this drama with an otherwise disdained vocal slide. Though often played at a rather brisk tempo, something a bit slower leaves more room for percussive ornamentation. For instance, use a deep drum or clave to accent the strong beat in each measure, and alternate between feeling measures in 6/8 and in 3/4. At the very end, take the Coda much slower, and ritard at the end, with the pianist picking up the final flourish back in tempo. 
— Sing! A New Creation
Rising and falling naturally, in easy harmonic intervals, this melody finds its climax at the first “Alleluya” of the refrain. Emphasize this drama with an otherwise disdained vocal slide. Though often played at a rather brisk tempo, something a bit slower leaves more room for percussive ornamentation. For instance, use a deep drum or clave to accent the strong beat in each measure, and alternate between feeling measures in 6/8 and in 3/4. At the very end, take the Coda much slower, and ritard at the end, with the pianist picking up the final flourish back in tempo. 
— Sing! A New Creation
544

Cantemos al Señor (O Sing unto the Lord)

Composer Information

Raquel Mora Martinez (b. Allende, Coahuila, Mexico, 1940) served on the editorial committee for Celebremos, a collection of Hispanic songs, and also supervised the revision of Himmnario Metodista (1973), both United Methodist publications. Martinez, a church musician and editor for Word, Inc., received a B.A. in music education from the University of Texas in El Paso, Texas, and a Master of Sacred Music degree from the Perkins School of Theology, Dallas, Texas. She also studied at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City.
— Bert Polman

Author and Composer Information

Carlos Rosas is a pioneer and expert in Hispanic liturgical music, utilizing the popular rhythms of the music of Mexico for his compositions.
 
Carlos was born in Linares, Nuevo León, Mexico, where he began his studies in music and liturgy at the age of 12. Two experiences inspire Carlos’s music: biblical reflection and liturgical celebration. “The two go together,” he says, “feeding and enhancing one another.”
 
He has served as liturgy coordinator and composer in residence at the Mexican Americal Cultural Centre and choir director at San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio, Texas. He was also coordinator of base Christan communities for the Diocese of Phoenix, director of Hispanic ministry for the Diocese of Baker in Bend, Oregon, and director of music and liturgy coordinator for Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Laredo, Texas. 
— Heartbeatrecords (http://www.heartbeatrecords.com)

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