25 more hymns for Lent (and a bonus)

Here are twenty-five more hymns that can be used throughout the season of Lent. Most of these are not in the hymn books but the sources are given below.

For a list of 25 hymns mainly from the hymn books click here.

Title	Composer	Publisher	Comments
40 Days	Matt Maher	OCP	A contemporary up-tempo piece; the lyrics tell of the journey we all struggle along and the hope that is present in the Paschal Sacrifice.
A Broken Heart	Luke Mayernik	GIA	A gentle setting of Psalm 50/51
A Clean Heart	Christopher Walker	OCP	A unison anthem that will enhance a liturgical celebration.
A Lenten Prayer	Antonio Salieri arr. Hal H Hopson	GIA	An easy two-part song. It is written for men/women but could be split in other ways.
Act Justly	Theresa Brown	Devine Music	A procession chant based on Micah 6:8 This simple 2-part ostinato refrain with keyboard and guitar accompaniment has verses for a cantor and a solo instrument.
Adoramus te	Bede Camera, OSB	OCP	‘We adore you O Christ and we bless you.’ The prayer used during stations of the cross set in two parts.
Ashes	Tom Conry	OCP	‘We rise again from ashes, from the good we’ve failed to do’. This was included in OCP’s ‘25 songs that every parishioner knows by heart’ list last year. This is unlikely to be the case in the UK but maybe it will in future. #198 in Laudate.
Beloved son and daughter dear	Dolores Dufner OSB	GIA	Words only. This can be sung to ‘Kingsfold’.
Come back to the Lord	Leo Nestor	GIA	The music is plainsong-based. This is originally a song for Ash Wednesday during the imposition of ashes but would be suitable throughout Lent.
From ashes to ashes	Theresa Brown	Decani Music and Devine Music	The song has two refrains; one for Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent plus a more general version. The refrain can also be sung as an ostinato underneath the verses. In ‘Resurrexit’ from Decani Music.
Give Me A New Heart, O God	Christopher Walker	OCP	This piece is also available in the collection ‘Out of Darkness’ and Laudate #195. It is a setting of psalm 50/51 as well as having verses from other scripture.
God of Empty Places	M D Ridge	OCP	A three verse hymn that has the option of additional choir parts.
In These Days of Lenten Journey	Ricky Manalo	OCP	A song that focuses on the Lenten call to perform acts of charity, seen from the perspective of social justice.
Led by the spirit	Bob Hurd	OCP	Sung to ‘Kingsfold’; this piece is also found in the collection ‘Ubi Caritas’
Let us return to the Lord	Marty Haugen	GIA	A memorable refrain (unison/SATB) is alternated with verses for cantor or unison choir.
Make us turn to you	Paul Inwood	GIA	A simple verse/refrain piece that has resources for more elaborate treatment.
Merciful God	Tony Alonso Mary Louise Bringle	GIA	There are three refrains in this ritual piece—one each for Ash Wednesday, general Lenten gatherings, and Lenten celebrations of Communion.
Open my Heart	Tony Ward	SLM	Composed for a national conference of Jesuit universities, this haunting piece evokes the human heartbeat in forming a prayer for greater awareness and discipleship.
Out into the wilderness	Bob Hurd	OCP	One of the journeys of Lent is the journey into the wilderness. An easy to learn piece that can be embellished with harmony (or instruments).
Remember you Are dust	Joe Higginbotham	ILP	A very simple piece consisting of a refrain and short verses.
Search our hearts we pray, Lord	Christopher Idle	Jubilate UK	A straightforward hymn to a well-known traditional Lenten tune.
Way of the Cross	Manoling Francisco, SJ	OCP	Pre-recorded, this could be used in an on-line Stations of the Cross.
We proclaim Christ crucified	Bob Hurd	OCP	A song written specifically for the 3rd Sunday of Year B. It could be used at any time, however. ‘The foolishness of God is wiser than all human wisdom and the weakness of God is stronger than all our human strength.’
We will turn	Peter Torsiello	OCP	Perfect for contemporary groups with a strong cantor, the singable refrain of ‘We Will Turn’ invites all to participate.
You gather in the outcast	Scot Crandal & Genevieve Glen, OSB	Zeal Music / OCP	A hymn reflecting social justice. It could also be sung to ‘Passion Chorale’ but the given tune is rather nice.

And, just because I can, here is a bonus selection.

Three Songs for Lent by Jacques Berthier, from Taize but published by GIA. Our Darkness / Salvator mundi / Miserere nobis

Find suggestions for individual Sundays here.