Oh where is there love in a world that is tired
Oh where is there love in a world that is tired
by Andrew Pratt
Oh where is there love in a world that is tired, across the year’s threshold, where hope has expired? We wait amid movement, to pause and to pray, to nurture our God at the dawn of each day. Our eyes have been opened, compassion unlocked, the road has been cleared, and the future…
Our lives have shown how change and chance
Our lives have shown how change and chance
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: Our lives have shown how change and chance Second Sunday after Pentecost Psalm 13 Our lives have shown how change and chance can ebb and flow, bring joy or pain, and though we sometimes turn from you in need we cry and pray again. Sometimes if feels as though you've gone, f…
Our wisdom is shown in our lives, in their living
Our wisdom is shown in our lives, in their living
by Andrew Pratt
Our wisdom is shown in our lives, in their living, in actions of loving and moments of grace. Belief has a meaning when faith between people enhances each neighbour, shows love has a face. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: STREETS OF LAREDO; ST CATHERINE’S COURT Metre: 12.11.12.11 Andrew…
Out of Egypt now in Canaan
Out of Egypt now in Canaan
by Andrew Pratt
Out of Egypt now in Canaan, finding freedom in this place celebrating liberation, Hebrews learning of God's grace. Now this story, part of hist'ry, told again from year to year: speaks of haste, release and rescue, time of tension, time of fear. Verses 3-4 follow Tune: ALL FOR JE…
Our needs are plain and simple
Our needs are plain and simple
by Andrew Pratt
Our needs are plain and simple, the things that we require to follow Christ's example, to raise the Spirit's fire; no purse, no bag, no sandals; we all must travel light, the baggage that we carry can strengthen or can blight. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: AURELIA 7.6.7.6D Andrew Pra…
Out of hope we act with boldness
Out of hope we act with boldness
by Andrew Pratt
Out of hope we act with boldness, Christ sustaining us through grace now our faith unveils the Godhead, now we're praying face to face. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: LOVE DIVINE (Stainer) Metre: 8.7.8.7 Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 24/1/2013 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England, w…
Over mountains, through the valleys
Over mountains, through the valleys
by Andrew Pratt
Over mountains, through the valleys let the voice of God be heard, singing, crying in a language often vivid or absurd. God translate your message for us, so that we might understand all your heights of grace and glory, as we worship hand in hand. Verses 3-4 follow Tune: CROSS OF…
A cloak of darkness, like a shroud
A cloak of darkness, like a shroud
by Andrew Pratt
A cloak of darkness, like a shroud, had crawled across the rolling land, and through that darkness people trudged, a weary, wand'ring, pilgrim band. From day to day they marked their route, but when at last all hope had gone, in darkness, deeper than before, some lost the heart t…
Times and Seasons - A century passes, memories will fade
Times and Seasons - A century passes, memories will fade
by Andrew Pratt
A century passes, memories will fade; war’s sun goes down, sharp pain is hid in shade. Yet still we pray for peace, as those men prayed; we will remember them. [we will remember, we will remember.] Ten times ten thousand fell amid that rage. What is the gain we measure from that …
Angels ascending, visions of wonder
Angels ascending, visions of wonder
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: Angels ascending, visions of wonder Proper 11 year A Genesis 28: 10-19a Angels ascending, visions of wonder, dreams bringing grace and offering hope; Jacob had rested, tired from the journey, holy his resting, now he could cope. Waking from slumber, now he could see it, hol…
Amen! Amen! Will echo through the cosmos
Amen! Amen! Will echo through the cosmos
by Andrew Pratt
Amen! Amen! Will echo through the cosmos, with all creation singing to the sound, as though, with joy, angelic voices ringing transcend the heavens, shake the solid ground. Verses 2-3 follow © Andrew Pratt 29/3/2012 Tune: HIGHWOOD; DONNE SECOURS; CROWN LANE Metre: 11.10.11.10 A…
An empty cave, the stone removed
An empty cave, the stone removed
by Andrew Pratt
An empty cave, the stone removed, a neatly folded shroud remained, confusion magnified their grief, no sense that life might be regained. So terrified, the women ran, afraid, their world turned upside down, and while the light of dawn had come, their fear became a tattered gown. …
Are we naked stark and child like
Are we naked stark and child like
by Andrew Pratt
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany Year A 1 Corinthians 3: 1 - 9 Hymn: Are we naked, stark and child-like Are we naked, stark and child-like, needing milk, while seeking meat, young disciples lacking knowledge, not yet weaned, not yet complete... Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © Stain…
As boats can carve a way through waves
As boats can carve a way through waves
by Andrew Pratt
Epiphany 3 year A Matthew 4: 12 – 23 Hymn; As boats can carve a way through waves As boats can carve a way through waves, so Jesus surged through lives. The challenge that he offered then, disrupts and yet revives... Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, …
Another mountain on the road
Another mountain on the road
by Andrew Pratt
Another mountain on the road that led them to Jerusalem, a rising path, a stony way, the climb towards a brighter day. They broke through mist, looked down on clouds, the earth below now veiled to sight. Above, the summit, time to rest, a place of blessing for the blessed. Verses…
Anyone here in this small/great congregation
Anyone here in this small/great congregation
by Andrew Pratt
Anyone here in this small/great congregation seeing injustice might challenge or fight; stand against poverty, work for inclusion of those derided, excluded by spite. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: IN THE BEGINNING GOD PLAYED WITH THE PLANETS or STEWARDSHIP Metre: 11 10 11 10 Dactylic …
Are we but a wasted vineyard