The tune title MARANATHA is an Aramaic expression meaning "Come, O Lord!" or "Our Lord has come." "Maranatha!" became an acclamation in the early church (see 1 Cor. 16:22; Rev. 22:20) and is also part of the name of the Christian music publisher Maranatha! Music, which began as a ministry of Calvary Chapel.

Sing this hymn in three stanzas, or preferably as a three-part round. Use very light registration, just strong enough to provide a steady tempo, and maintain the pulse between stanzas. Guitars are appropriate, with perhaps flute or other melody instruments improvising a descant by playing the alto or tenor part an octave higher.

Because the song is so simple, people can divide into groups to sing it as a round; to avoid the distraction of spoken directions, the song leader can simply gesture to signal when each group should begin. Try singing stanza 1 together; then continue with stanzas 2 and 3 in a round.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook