Calvin Seerveld (PHH 22) wrote this fresh and vivid text in Toronto, Ontario, 1977, to fit the tune ORMEAU. With the assurance that both Good Friday's crucifixion and Easter's resurrection are historical fact, the text helps us focus on the discipline of Lent. Stanza 1 confesses that Christ has died and rose again in victory over sin and hell; stanza 2 is a prayer to the Father for guidance and wisdom in living the Christian life; stanza 3 asks the Holy Spirit to help us live in true repentance during Lent.

Liturgical Use:
Lent

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

William Davies (b. Bolton, Lancashire, England, 1921) composed ORMEAU, one of several tunes he contributed to the British supplement Praise for Today (1975) on whose editorial committee he served. He also served as the conductor of the North Ireland BBC Orchestra in Belfast.

ORMEAU contains variations on the bold opening figure. Like the text, the tune is in; two distinct halves: the first half in G major and the second half in G minor, with a minor ending for the first two stanzas. The third stanza has a new, bright ending–the only cadence on G major–appropriately set to the final "shouts of praise!" Sing in unison with strong organ accompaniment to help the congregational singing. Although the tune has a few surprises, it is well worth the effort to learn.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook