Clerestory Notes

Commentary -

The lyrics of Send Out Your Light are Scripture weaving drawn from three Psalms that beseech the Lord to send His light that we may be brought close to Him. As a psalm setting, it can be used whenever the lectionary or the leader’s chosen texts for the day include Psalm 43, 84 or 80, or another psalm with a related focus. (See below for a suggestion for using it as a refrain with an antiphonal reading or chant of Psalm 119.) It makes a lovely sung prayer of Invocation, and because the last two lines are a prayer for restoration and salvation, this song is especially fitting for use as preparation for a time of confession of sins.

Song pairing suggestions: Placed within a set of worship songs or hymns, Send Out Your Light works well with any songs that speak of the Light of the world, the face of God, the courts and dwelling places of the Lord, and longing to know His ways – Fairest Lord Jesus (hymn setting available) and Here I Am to Worship (by now-classic song by Tim Hughes; ©2002 ThankYou Music) are good choices. Here’s my favorite: pairing it with Be Thou My Vision gives a lovely and contemplative transition from the D-minor mode of Send Out Your Light to the D-major mode of the much-loved Celtic hymn prayer.

Instrumentation tip: The available arrangement for piano accompaniment is flowing, a nice background for the singers, especially in parts. We also like it played more simply, with just guitar and keyboard, and perhaps one other instrument (flute, violin, etc.).

Season: Send Out Your Light is fitting for use throughout the Christian year. It is especially good for Advent, when we mark a time of waiting for the Incarnation of Christ, the Light of the world, and Epiphany, when we follow the life of Jesus from His baptism until the Transfiguration.

Key: d minor

Send Out Your Light is available as a lead sheet, as vocal line with piano accompaniment, and scored for vocal parts (2-part and 3-part arrangements are available). Send Out Your Light is also available as part of the collection, Singing the Scriptures.

Here’s an example of Send Out Your Light as a responsorial song to selections from Psalm 119:

Send Out Your Light (verses 1 and 2 sung)

(spoken or chanted)
Your decrees are wonderful:*
   therefore I obey them with all my heart.
The unfolding of Your words give light;*
   it gives understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant;*
   because I long for Your commandments.
Turn to me and be gracious to me;*
   as is Your custom toward 
   those who love Your name.
                                         – Psalm 119:129-132

Send Out Your Light (verse 1 sung)

(spoken or chanted)
Make steady my steps according to Your promise;*
   let no iniquity have dominion over me.
Redeem me from human oppression,*
   that I may keep Your precepts.
Make Your face shine upon Your servant,
   and teach me Your statutes.
My eyes shed streams of tears,*
   because people do not keep Your law. 
                                        – Psalm 119:133-136

Send Out Your Light (verses 1 and 2 sung)

Setting, Words and Music: Ellen Koehler.
Copyright ©2014 Ellen Koehler. All Rights Reserved.