Holy Cross Music Notes

We gather and open our worship with Psalm 23, written by Stuart Townend in the late 1990s, is a contemporary setting of the biblical psalm that pairs a gentle folk‑influenced melody with a deeply personal expression of trust. Its meaning emphasizes God’s steadfast guidance, protection, and comforting presence, inviting believers to sing the psalm’s promises as their own lived confession of faith.

During the procession we will sing The King of Love My Shepherd Is, written in 1868 by Anglican priest Henry Williams Baker, a poetic paraphrase of Psalm 23 that blends Scripture with gentle Victorian hymnody. Its message celebrates Christ as the ever‑faithful Shepherd whose mercy, guidance, and pursuing love sustain believers through every season of life.

Our sequence hymn is My Shepherd, You Supply My Need, written by Isaac Watts in 1719, is a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 23 set to the traditional American folk tune Resignation. It expresses God’s tender provision, guidance, and restoring mercy, portraying the Lord as the Shepherd who faithfully leads, protects, and comforts His people.

The music during communion is Come Unto Jesus, written by LDS composer Merrill J. Bradshaw in 1971, as a gentle invitation hymn rooted in Matthew 11:28 and Christ’s call for the weary to find rest in Him. Its meaning centers on Christ’s compassionate welcome, assuring listeners that He offers comfort, healing, and peace to all who turn toward His love.

Our closing hymn is I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say, written in 1846 by Scottish minister Horatius Bonar, is a devotional hymn shaped by Jesus’ invitations in the Gospels, especially His call to the weary and thirsty. It centers on the soul’s response to Christ’s offer of rest, light, and life, portraying the deep peace found in turning to Him in faith.