I was on a flight from Boston to the UK in 2019 and, for whatever reason, James 1:27 was on my mind. As the jet turbines roared, I scratched out three verses of text for this hymn, which is a meditation on my own desire to grow as a disciple of Jesus. I hummed a melody (hopefully not so loudly that I disturbed or confused my fellow passengers), and later worked out the four-voice harmonization that you see here.
If you use the discount code WAYFARE, you should be able to download this hymnal-style setting for free. Each person who needs a copy should please download one, individually. This way I know who is enjoying (or at least encountering) my music, which is so vital to me as a composer. That's fair, yes?
I hope this little offering is a blessing to you and your community, wherever you are.
Blessings,
Andrew
PS: If you would like to sing a choral arrangement of this hymn—set as an anthem for SATB choir and piano accompaniment—see this link for a traditional choral octavo. (Forthcoming)
PURE RELIGION
Let me live the pure religion Jesus taught.
Let me love without condition,
Past borders and partitions,
Every member of the human race,
Every neighbor in our one home place,
Every creature in Creation,
Every stunning variation.
Let me live the pure religion Jesus taught.
Let me live the pure religion Jesus taught.
Let me make a case for mercy,
In my deeds and thoughts and words be
Even kinder than I often would,
More forgiving than I thought I could,
Closer, ever, to the Savior
In my everyday behavior.
Let me live the pure religion Jesus taught.
Let me live the pure religion Jesus taught.
Show me, Lord, my own best purpose.
Help me give my own best service.
Magnify my gifts in charity
For whoever comes here after me.
Through my living, tell the story
Of Thy work and of Thy glory.
Let me live the pure religion Jesus taught.