The temple was a market
The temple was a market
by Andrew Pratt
The temple was a market with cattle, doves and sheep. Religion forged a profit that earned the traders’ keep. Incensed at such injustice he held a whip of cords, the people scattered quickly, he had no need for words. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: DURROW; PASSION CHORALE Metre: 7.6.7.6…
The spirit that breathed on the waves of the sea
The spirit that breathed on the waves of the sea
by Andrew Pratt
The spirit that breathed on the waves of the sea, is wonder, is wisdom, a cause to be free. Before all creation, her glory was known, with earth as a footstool and heaven her throne. This spirit, this wisdom, then took human flesh, divested of glory, a manger for rest... Verse 2 …
The towering glory of this place
The towering glory of this place
by Andrew Pratt
The towering glory of this place: divine accommodation; affords a dwelling place for God through every generation. Here see the swallows sweeping down, in rest from navigation, they have a safer place to rest, a nest for pro-creation. Verses 3-4 follow Tune: DOMINUS REGIT ME Metr…
The table's set, the room prepared
The table's set, the room prepared
by Andrew Pratt
The table's set, the room prepared, come close and gather round, for Jesus bids, 'remember me' and here God's grace is found. If Philip who would count the cost, when thousands sat for bread, could find a supper place with Christ, then we, too, can be fed. Verses 3-6 follow TUNE:…
The wisdom of elders is sometimes berated
The wisdom of elders is sometimes berated
by Andrew Pratt
The wisdom of elders is sometimes berated yet Anna and Simeon saw what was true: persistence rewarded, their waiting accomplished, their journey of faithfulness starting anew. Verse 2 follows Tune: STREETS OF LAREDO Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 30/1/2014 Stainer & Bell Ltd,…
The Worlds no stage where we are acting
The Worlds no stage where we are acting
by Andrew Pratt
The world’s no stage where we are acting to show how good we think we are; this is no place to call attention, or seek acclaim from near or far. Our prayers are worthless, void and empty when uttered for the crowd’s applause, much more of worth are silent actions, compassion show…
This day we remember the passage to freedom
This day we remember the passage to freedom
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: This day we remember the passage to freedom Proper 18 Year A Exodus 12: 1 – 14 This day we remember the passage to freedom, the Exodus journey, redemption at hand the Passover meal we recall at this season, the sign of God's faithfulness brought to the land. This day we rem…
This day is a day of both prayer and of praising
This day is a day of both prayer and of praising
by Andrew Pratt
Second Sunday after Christmas year A Jeremiah 31: 7 – 14 Hymn: This day is a day of both prayer and of praising This day is a day of both prayer and of praising, of gath'ring the nations from east and from west, the people far south, from the north are arising, this day is the da…
This is the only earth we know
This is the only earth we know
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: This is the only earth we know Proper 20 Year A Philippians 1: 21 – 30 This is the only earth we know, all else is speculation, and though our visions lead us on, this is the time for action. Within the company of friends and those ranked round about us, is where we share t…
This is God born in a stable
This is God born in a stable
by Andrew Pratt
Philippians 2: 1 – 13 Hymn: This is God born in a stable This is God born in a stable. This is God hung on a cross. This is Christ, our God incarnate, knowing gain and sharing loss. This is God yet fully human, walking down a street in time. This is God yet faulted language makes…
This is love, love un-extinguished
This is love, love un-extinguished
by Andrew Pratt
This is love, love un-extinguished, love out lasting time and place, love surviving crucifixion, sign of hope and source of grace. This was God who bled and died there, very God they scourged and hung, it was God the child of Mary, from whom human life was wrung. Verses 2-3 follo…
Times and Seasons - This is the Baptist, unkempt and yet ready
Times and Seasons - This is the Baptist, unkempt and yet ready
by Andrew Pratt
This is the Baptist, unkempt and yet ready, calling the people to listen and act; calling them down to the water for washing, talking of holiness, Godliness, fact. This is the man who will call to repentance fisherman, Pharisee, zealot and priest; here in the river the sinners wi…
Up! Up and away! Was it really that crazy