Hymns & Liturgical Texts

Michael McFarland Campbell writes hymns, prayers, and liturgical texts shaped by the landscapes of Ireland, the rhythms of the Church’s year, and the lived experience of ordinary holiness. His work is grounded in musicality, clarity, and a deep attentiveness to the communities that will sing and pray these words.

This page gathers his published collections, ongoing projects, and selected liturgical writing.

The Collections

A Pilgrim’s Psalter of Earth and Light

The cover of "A Pilgrim's Psalter of Earth and Light: Beginnings & Thresholds" by Michael McFarland Campbell

Psalm-inspired hymns rooted in the Irish landscape and Celtic symbolism

A Pilgrim’s Psalter of Earth and Light is a growing collection of hymns inspired by the Psalms and re-imagined through the lens of the Irish landscape and Celtic spirituality. These texts weave together ancient themes with the quiet holiness of daily life.

  • Published: Book 1: Psalms 1–25 | Buy on Lulu.com
  • In Development: Further volumes continuing through the Psalter.

A Living Cloud of Irish Witnesses

Cover of "A Living Cloud of Irish Witnesses: Hymns for the Saints of Ireland" by Michael McFarland Campbell

Hymns inspired by the ancient Celtic saints

This collection of 41 hymns honours the saints who shaped the early Irish Church—Brigid, Patrick, Columba, and many others whose stories continue to echo through the landscape. Drawing on hagiography, place, and the distinctive spirituality of Celtic Christianity, these texts are both historically attentive and spiritually alive.

The Mindful Year: Hymns for Christmastide

Cover of "The Mindful Year: Hymns for Christmastide" by Michael McFarland Campbell

Hymns for the Incarnation

Originally written during Christmas 2025 and first shared on NeuroDivine.blog, this volume gathers hymns shaped by presence, gentleness, and contemplative noticing. These texts explore the Incarnation through the lens of neurodiversity and mindful spirituality.

  • Published: Hymns for Christmastide | Buy on Lulu.com
  • Note: This is the inaugural volume in a wider project with scope to grow into other seasons and feasts.

Individual Hymns & Liturgical Texts

Alongside his collections, Michael writes standalone hymns and prayers for parish, diocesan, and ecumenical use. His work includes:

  • Commemorations: Hymns for Irish saints and local festivals.
  • The Liturgical Year: Seasonal texts for Advent, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time.
  • Intercessions: Prayers, litanies, and blessings for the liturgy.
  • Occasions: Texts for special community celebrations and milestones.

A curated selection of individual texts will be added here as they are prepared for publication.

Guidance for Musicians & Communities

Choosing Tunes

Michael’s hymn texts are written with careful attention to metre, rhythm, and natural speech patterns. Each text is crafted to sit comfortably within familiar metrical structures, making it easy for congregations to pair the words with well-known tunes.

While a particular tune may have shaped the writing of a hymn (which will be noted), musicians are encouraged to choose tunes that best suit their local context and musical tradition. Flexibility is part of the design; the aim is always to support singing that feels natural, prayerful, and rooted.

Using These Texts

These hymns are written to be used. If you would like to include a hymn in parish liturgy, diocesan events, or ecumenical gatherings, you are warmly welcome to do so.

For permissions relating to formal publication, commercial recording, or wider distribution, please get in touch via the Contact Page.