ABOUT
The Parting Hymn is a congregational hymn intended to be sung at the close of the church’s gathered worship service. Its first verse comes from a short dismissal hymn by Joseph Hart, found in Our Own Hymnbook: A Collection of Psalms and Hymns for Public, Social, and Private Worship (#1051) compiled by C. H. Spurgeon for The Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, England.
The additional verses and music were written in the wake of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns to celebrate the goodness of in-person Christian gatherings. In contrast to the mistaken notion during that era that “church” could be experienced via livestream, this hymn was crafted to highlight the beauty of gathered singing, featuring an active four-part harmony with harmonic suspensions, passing tones, and resolutions. The four-part structure intends to demonstrate the goodness of corporate worship, showing how the many voices of the gathered congregation combine to create beauty. It is best sung a cappella or with light accompaniment.
The hymn serves as a prayer for the church as we go into the world: to apply what has been taught in God’s Word, to live out the “one another” commands, to witness to the gospel in our daily lives, and to experience Christ’s presence with us (Matt. 28:20). At the same time, it expresses our longing and eagerness to gather again in worship.
LYRICS
VERSE 1
Once more, before we part
We’ll bless our Savior’s name
Record His mercies every heart,
Sing every tongue His praise,
We’ll treasure up His Word,
To feed on and to grow,
Go on to seek to know the Lord
And practice what we know.
CHORUS
Lord Jesus, go now with us.
As your Church departs, Lord be near.
By your Spirit, Father carry us
As we scatter, till we gather again.
VERSE 2
Once more, before we leave
We covenant anew
To shoulder one another’s needs,
To love and walk with You.
Lord, by Your Spirit’s power
Direct our fumbling feet,
Uphold us till that precious hour
We gather here to meet.
VERSE 3
Once more, before we go
We pause and seek the Lord –
Lord, put Your gospel on our lips.
As we walk through these doors.
May all who hear that word
Be drawn to love the Truth.
And join to gather with Your Church
And find new life in You.
Verse 1, by Joseph Hart, 1762 (altered).
Additional lyrics and Music by Gary Brumley.
© 2021 New Moniker Music. CCLI Song Number: 5461055
SHEET MUSIC
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The Parting HymnPrice range: $0.00 through $1.00
PERMISSIONS
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