Here the herald calls the nations
Here the herald calls the nations
by Andrew Pratt
Here the herald calls the nations, pointing to the path to peace, making clear the way for God-head, bringing freedom and release. Hear the word that he is preaching, ‘turn again toward God’s way’. See the Lord of life is coming, greet the Lord’s expected day. Verse 3 follows Tun…
Here is the message that we hold
Here is the message that we hold
by Andrew Pratt
Here is the message that we hold, the words that drive us on, to bring Good News to those we meet until the Kingdom's come; until the reign of Christ is won in every time and place, until all people know that they are held within God's grace; Verses 3-4 follow Tune: FINGAL Metre:…
How could this man from Nazareth
How could this man from Nazareth
by Andrew Pratt
How could this man from Nazareth speak with such power and heal the sick, he spoke with great authority, the healing might have been a trick? But those who came were healed, made well, and what he said was common sense, yet spoken in a way well honed, the word of God, the present…
How can God, condemned, be hanging?
How can God, condemned, be hanging?
by Andrew Pratt
How can God, condemned, be hanging? False messiahs meet such ends, and the ones then testifying, have no need to make amends. Educated folk were laughing, they foresaw what was to come, saw disciples hiding, crying, feeling both distraught and numb. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: CALON …
How on God's earth can we change and be Christ-like
How on God's earth can we change and be Christ-like
by Andrew Pratt
How on God's earth can we change and be Christ-like, calming our wrath and containing our rage? Where is the spirit that shows love in action, selflessly, fearlessly showing God's care? Verses 2-3 follow Tune: EPIPHANY HYMN; BARNARD GATE (John Barnard; Sing Glory 433; Jubilate we…
How easy to distort the Jesus Spirit
How easy to distort the Jesus Spirit
by Andrew Pratt
How easy to distort the Jesus Spirit, to lose his ways in empty, so called, praise. We brush aside his life of liberation, commitment, just a hollow passing phase. Astonishment might greet the face we offer, purporting to portray the grace of Christ, our frowns sometimes betray t…
How can we live at one with God
How can we live at one with God
by Andrew Pratt
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany Year A Education Sunday Hymn: How can we live at one with God How can we live at one with God, inspired by Christ the living Word, infused with all the Spirit’s power when life is twisted and absurd... Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © Stainer & Bel…
How can humans cause such carnage
How can humans cause such carnage
by Andrew Pratt
How can humans cause such carnage, ravage all the earth? How can people slaughter children they have brought to birth? Have we lost all moral sense, or is this just our human curse? When we turn the page of history life can seem so cheap. As we read of Herod’s hatred we are moved…
How can we look, and not be moved
How can we look, and not be moved
by Andrew Pratt
1 How can we look, and not be moved by lives that end and eyes that plead, where parents cry while families part amid their last despairing need. 2 Once we were distanced from the ones that suffered while we stood to stare. God give the gift of empathy that we might offer more th…
HYMN - False is the fasting, and foul is the purpose
HYMN - False is the fasting, and foul is the purpose
by Andrew Pratt
False is the fasting, and foul is the purpose, rich the injustice the Godless pursue; this is the judgment we hear prophets speaking, seeking to challenge, restore and renew. Where are the humble and those who are open, facing in honesty all they have done Where are the righteous…
Hymn - As hollow as her loneliness
Hymn - As hollow as her loneliness
by Andrew Pratt
As hollow as her loneliness, the emptiness of space, the chilling of the morning air had seemed devoid of grace. She heard a whisper, just the breeze that rustled leaves near by. Her feet had crunched across the stones, her breath a simple sigh. And then with sudden recklessnes…
Hymn - Frantic, terrified, the women
Hymn - Frantic, terrified, the women
by Andrew Pratt
Frantic, terrified, the womenrunning from the empty tomb. Not a sense of resurrection, more a sign of fear and gloom. Who had run off with the body? Were they watching somewhere near? Were these mourners now suspected? Should they hide? Their fate seemed clear. Verses 3-5 follow …
Hymn - God makes no distinctions, all people are welcome
Hymn - God makes no distinctions, all people are welcome
by Andrew Pratt
God makes no distinctions, all people are welcome, the rich or the poor, yes, the free and the slave. The depth of God's loving is boundless, impartial, a love that is stronger than death or the grave. The message had spread from the very beginning, the love that they nailed to t…
Hymn - A feast for the nations, the Christ is exalted