Most are free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free) meaning the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing. Many such hymns are old/traditional - but where possible a variety of styles / genres are included.
A small selection of hymns which are still copyright, but are a particularly good fit for the day's readings, are also included.
Seasonal note
The feast of Christ the King is the last Sunday of the Church year - it is equivalent to the 34th Sunday of Ordinary Time.
Readings
Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17 - The Lord will look after his flock like a shepherd - and will judge between sheep and rams.Psalm 22/23 - The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want / Near restful waters he leads me / You have prepared a banquet for me / Surely goodness and kindness
Second: I Corinthians 15:20-26, 28 - Christ has been raised from the dead ... at the end, he will hand over the kingdom to God the Father.
Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46 - Jesus tells the disciples that she the Son of Man comes .. he will take up his seat on the throne of glory and separate men as the shepherd separates sheep and goats .. the Kingdom will be given to the virtuous
Themes
Christ the King - who cares for his people like a shepherd. Living justly.Suggested artwork
Suggested free-use hymns
All Creatures of our God and King
All Glory, Laud and Honour
All People that on Earth do Dwell (esp verse 2)
Alleluia Sing to Jesus
At the Name of Jesus
Crown Him with Many Crowns
Come, Christians, Join to Sing
God is Love, His the Care
Hail O Once Despised Jesus
Hail to the Lord's Anointed
He is King of Kings
Immortal Invisible God only Wise (esp verse 4)
Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (esp. verse 2)
My Shepherd will Supply my Need
Praise my Soul the King of Heaven
Rejoice the Lord is King
Sing with all the Saints in Glory
The Lord's my Shepherd
The King of Love my Shepherd Is
All Glory, Laud and Honour
All People that on Earth do Dwell (esp verse 2)
Alleluia Sing to Jesus
At the Name of Jesus
Crown Him with Many Crowns
Come, Christians, Join to Sing
God is Love, His the Care
Hail O Once Despised Jesus
Hail to the Lord's Anointed
He is King of Kings
Immortal Invisible God only Wise (esp verse 4)
Let all Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (esp. verse 2)
My Shepherd will Supply my Need
Praise my Soul the King of Heaven
Rejoice the Lord is King
Sing with all the Saints in Glory
The Lord's my Shepherd
The King of Love my Shepherd Is
Suggested hymns that are / may be still copyright
Blessings on the King - Andersen
Forth in the Peace of Christ we Go - James Quinn
Hail Redeemer King Divine - Brennan
Like a Shepherd - John Foley
Lift High the Cross
Meekness and Majesty - Graham Kendrick
Our God Reigns - Smith
Sing to the world of Christ our Sovereign Lord - Lee
The King of Glory - Jabusch
Worthy the Lamb who Died for Us (Christoph Tietze, © World Library Publications)
Forth in the Peace of Christ we Go - James Quinn
Hail Redeemer King Divine - Brennan
Like a Shepherd - John Foley
Lift High the Cross
Our God Reigns - Smith
The King of Glory - Jabusch
The Servant King - Graham Kendrick
