Northern Spire
the music of Philip Spaeth
You Give Me Hands
for SATB Choir, Cantor, Assembly, and Piano
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premiered 2005
The Church of St. Peter
Saratoga Springs, NY​
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Refrain text inspired by the prayer of St. Theresa of Ávila
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About You Give Me Hands:
You Give Me Hands (2005) was composed in response to a homily given at the Church of St. Peter in Saratoga Springs, NY, where I serve as Music Director, by then-pastor Fr. Dominic Ingemie. The refrain is inspired by the prayer of St. Theresa of Ávila, and is intended to help the faithful to recommit themselves to doing God's work, in gratitude for all that God has given us, while the verses ask for God's continued aid to that end. Many of our parishioners at St. Peter's have found this piece meaningful over the years that I have programmed this piece for liturgy, and so I believe it would be just as meaningful in any Christian service or choral concert.
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The refrain text reads:
You give me hands, that I might do your work;
You give me a voice, that I might speak your name;
You give me eyes to see your face in the faces of your children;
and feet, to walk beside you every day.
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Click on the title page image above to view a sample score.
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Performance History
Performed during liturgy, on occasion, since 2005
The Church of St. Peter, Saratoga Springs, NY
Philip Spaeth, Music Director