God of every age, you watch nations rise and fall.

May our leaders be led by your wisdom.

When we turn from your way,

help us to repent so that we might be transformed by your forgiveness.

Guide us with your light and truth,

through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all and light of the world. Amen.

God of all mercies, we confess to you that we do not pray as we should. You want to be in touch with us and we are content to be out of touch. You want a thick relationship and we are content with a thin one. God of all mercies, we confess that we do not pray as we should and so, today, we want to start a new round of prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Michael Perry’s text based on Psalm 20 was prepared for Psalms for Today (1990), which he edited. In North America, it was included in a collection of his texts entitled Singing to God: Hymns and Songs 1965-1995 by Michael Perry (Hope Publishing, 1995), published the same year he died. He considered Psalm 20 a “comprehensive benediction” and intended his hymn setting to serve also as a benediction.

 

Timothy L. Hoekman composed TEBBEN in 1979 for the text "Take My Life and Let It Be", and it was first sung by the Ann Arbor (MI) Christian Reformed Church on May 13,1979. Hoekman dedicated the tune to his grandfather on his mother's side, Kasjen Tebben, who was a Christian Reformed minister for fifty-nine years.

 

TEBBEN consists of four phrases with connecting harmonic links from one phrase to the next. This haunting tune may be sung in unison, but is particularly beautiful sung in harmony, especially when sung in two long flowing lines with a sustained tempo. 

Initially studying mathematics and physics at Dulwich College, Michael A. Perry (b. Beckenham, Kent, England, 1942; d. Tonbridge, Kent, England, 1996) was headed for a career in the sciences. However, after one year of study in physics at the University of London, he transferred to Oak Hill College to study theology. He also studied at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, and received a M.Phil. from the University of Southhampton in 1973. Ordained a priest in the Church of England in 1966, Perry served the parish of St. Helen's in Liverpool as a youth worker and evangelist. From 1972 to 1981 he was the vicar of Bitterne in Southhampton and from 1981 to 1989, rector of Eversley in Hampshire and chaplain at the Police Staff College. He then became vicar of Tonbridge in Kent, where he remained until his death from a brain tumor in 1996. Perry published widely in the areas of Bible study and worship. He edited Jubilate publications such as Hymns far Today's Church (1982), Carols far Today (1986), Come Rejoice! (1989), and Psalms for Today (1990). Composer of the musical drama Coming Home (1987), he also wrote more than two hundred hymns and Bible versifications. 

Timothy L. Hoekman (b. Racine, WI, 1954) received his education at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Peabody Conservatory, Baltimore, Maryland; and the University of Michigan (D.MA). From 1982 to 1984 he taught at East Carolina University and since 1984 has been a professor of vocal coaching and accompanying at Florida State University, Tallahassee. He is also artistic director for the South Georgia Opera Company and assistant conductor and vocal coach for the Glimmerglass Opera Company, Cooperstown, New York. His published work includes Seven Housman Songs (1988).