Because they 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.
Seasonal note
The season of Lent is a time of penance, including traditional practises of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.There are a number of themes which appear in the Lenten readings in each year of the liturgical calendar, including renewal, preparing for Christ's death, appealing to God's mercy and compassion.
These suggestions are appropriate for the entire season, rather than being directly tied to the readings on a particular day. Hymns which are more suited to Good Friday are not included - but they are often used towards the end of Lent..
Free-use hymns for the season of Lent
Attende DomineBe Still my Soul
Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing
Father Hear the Prayer we Offer
Forty Days and Forty Nights
God of Mercy and Compassion
Godhead Here in Hiding
Lord Jesus Think on Me
Lord who Throughout These Forty Days
My Faith Looks up to Thee
O Cross of Christ Immortal Tree
O God of Earth and Altar
O Love How Deep How Broad How High
Parce Domine
Saviour When in Dust to Thee
The Glory of these Forty Days
There's a Wideness in God's Mercy
We Walk by Faith
When Jesus Wept
Further suggestions are welcome: please leave a comment below.
