Gracious God, lover of sinners, you sent your Son to make atonement for us and for our salvation. You sent your Son to be both priest and offering. You gave him to be the lamb that takes away the sin of the world. So we bless and thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sing in unison or four-part harmony. Basses can double the soprano line an octave below. Also included here is part of the authentic black gospel piano accompaniment from the complete edition. An electric keyboard, guitar, bass, and drums would also be appropriate for the piece (I do not recommend organ).

“Now Behold the Lamb” is appropriate for the Lord’s Supper and also during both Lent and Christmas.

 

Kirk Franklin and the Family recorded this piece as part of a Christmas CD. If possible, I recommend that you listen to this contemporary gospel work before you teach it to your congregation or choir.

 

This is also a wonderful piece to use with liturgical dancers or a mime group. As you perform this work, try to feel the slurs as syncopation and keep them relaxed. By all means, don’t speed up the tempo and don’t be deceived by the eighth and sixteenth notes. The metronome marking is ♩ = 40. I’ve conducted this piece many times with the Calvin College gospel choir, and it is one of our favorites.

(from Reformed Worship, Issue 54)

Kirk Duayne Franklin (b. 1970) has been a leading song writer, recording artist, and gospel musician, winning seven Grammy Awards.  A native of Fort Worth, Texas, he was reared by his great aunt Gertrude, who saw his talent and guided his early years. Already at age twelve, he became minister of music at the  Mt. Rose Baptist Church.  He led the fifteen-member choir “Kirk Frankin & the Family” from 1992-2000; since then he has performed more as a soloist. The Essential Kirk Franklin, a compilation of songs from his more than dozen albums, was released in 2012.