Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#200

200. O My People, Turn to Me

Text Information

• First Line: O my people, turn to me
• Title: O My People, Turn to Me
• Versifier: Marie J. Post (1981)
• Meter: 77 77 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Hosea 14:1-7
  ;
  Hosea 14
  ;
  Hosea 14:7
• Topic: Comfort & Encouragement; Obedience
• Copyright: Text and music © 1987, CRC Publications
• ONE LICENSE: 120757

Tune Information

• Name: HOSEA (Jonkman)
• Composer: Norm Jonkman (1984)
• Meter: 77 77 D
• Key: g minor
• Copyright: Text and music © 1987, CRC Publications

Text Information:

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Hos. 14:1, 4-5a
st. 2 = Hos. 14:1, 5b-7

Based on Hosea 14, "O My People" is a call for repentance which, if sincerely made, will bring blessings–portrayed beautifully in images of fruitfulness. Marie J. Post (PHH 5) wrote this paraphrase in 1981 as a memorial to her mother; this passage was marked in her mother's Bible.

Liturgical Use:
Service of confession and forgiveness; evangelistic services.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

The Psalter Hymnal Revision Committee announced a tune search for this text; HOSEA, composed by Norm Jonkman (b. Paterson, NJ, 1944) in 1984, was selected from among several tunes submitted. HOSEA is a rounded bar form tune (AABA') in a minor tonality. It has characteristics similar to Appalachian tunes of the southeastern United States. HOSEA can be sung by a children's choir, a soloist, or in unison with rather light accompaniment over a sustained pedal line.

Jonkman studied music education at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and taught music at Whitinsville (MA) Christian School and Eastern Christian School in Paterson, New Jersey. Since 1975 he has been an electronic organ technician for the McIntyre Organ Service in Seattle, Washington. He has composed several pieces, including a Mass for choir and orchestra in 1995, which he dedicated to the choir he directs at Overlake Park Presbyterian Church in Bellevue, Washington.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook