Behold, I Make All Things New Liturgy – Benjamin Splichal Larson

“Behold, I Make All Things New” – by Ben Splichal Larson

“Behold, I Make All Things New” was written by Ben Splichal Larson. Ben was killed in the Haiti Earthquake on January 12, 2010, when he was there with his wife, Renee, and his cousin, Jon. Ben sang the “Lamb of God,” of setting 10 in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship Book, while buried in the rubble and then died.

Originally, “Behold, I Make All Things New” was written to reach and inspire 18-35 year olds, an age demographic that is often least represented in weekly worship. As people learn to sing this music, it becomes apparent that the liturgy appeals to all ages, being sung in both large and small congregations, as well as campus ministries. This liturgy can utilize a variety of instruments, from piano, organ, guitar, drums, bass, C instrument, mandolin, etc. Audio files and sheet music, as well as leader and assembly editions, are available for free download. There are two sets of audio tracks for each liturgical piece: one that is a “live” recording and one that is a “standard audio file” that is computer generated. Note that some of the live recordings are different at times from the written music. This liturgy is meant for whatever instrumentation a congregation has and is meant to be sung freely.

“We also invite people to download the music and simply use it for devotions, driving in a car, or meditation. We hope “Behold, I Make All Things New” blesses your life even outside of Sunday worship.”

There is an optional free-will donation link that will benefit new start congregations in the ELCA if people or congregations are compelled to give for “Behold, I Make All Things New.” We hope people give generously in order to support new communities of faith.

It was Ben’s intention, and now his family’s prayer, that the music he wrote to the ancient worship language of the church be a catalyst for renewal, hope, and faith for people and congregations. In the spirit of Ben, we give his liturgy to the Church with joy and pray it may bless all who sing it.

Thank you to all of the amazing musicians who participated in the live recording:
Cory Clay
Hannah Kalisch
Felix Malpica
Peter Mayer
Elizabeth McHan
Hans Peterson
Jon Splichal Larson
Renee Splichal Larson
A special thank you to Cory Clay for transcribing Ben’s music, to Augsburg Fortress for allowance of the use of liturgical texts, to Wild Sound Studios in Minneapolis for the mixed and mastered recordings, to First Lutheran Church in Duluth, MN, for progressing this liturgy project and to Niki Mosier for designing and maintaining www.benstillsings.com!