Andrew Pratt
Hymn: This towering edifice of shining glass
Hymn: This towering edifice of shining glass
by Andrew Pratt
This towering edifice of shining glass which speaks of power, of status and of class. will one day fall, a glittering shower of shards, will flutter like the children's house of cards. These temples of our vanity and pride like expectations of the crucified will lie in dust and r…
Hymn: There is no need for sacrifice
Hymn: There is no need for sacrifice
by Andrew Pratt
There is no need for sacrifice save love for friend and neighbour since Christ broke every barrier down. Let this define our labour. The sweetest offering of our love is all that is demanded: to love each person as ourselves is what the Christ commanded. Verses 3-4 follow Tune: B…
Hymn: You, Lord, are all we have
Hymn: You, Lord, are all we have
by Andrew Pratt
You, Lord, are all we have, You give us all we need. What lies ahead is in your hands, your love informs our creed. A creed of hope and care in which we feel secure, born of a faith that's tested, tried, a faith that is mature. Verse 3 follows Tune: FRANCONIA, POTSDAM Metre: SM …
Hymn: You are the God that brought us all to birth
Hymn: You are the God that brought us all to birth
by Andrew Pratt
You are the God that brought us all to birth, the God of all the cosmos and this earth; and yet in human life you shared our pain and in this present moment share again. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: ELLERS, EVENTIDE Metre: 10.10.10.10 Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 9/10/2012 Sta…
Poem: Father of Jesse and father of David
Poem: Father of Jesse and father of David
by Andrew Pratt
Father of Jesse and father of David, born of a foreigner here in their midst: Ruth would nurse Obed, then comfort and nurture. Boaz brought safety it seemed she had missed. Now as we listen we re-tell this story, try to untangle the mystery and worth, one thing is certain: a love…
Hymn: Hypocrisy destroys our best intentions
Hymn: Hypocrisy destroys our best intentions
by Andrew Pratt
Hypocrisy destroys our best intentions, and Jesus read the hearts of those he met. His challenge, never veiled, caused consternation with words that those who heard would not forget. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: INTERCESSOR Metre: 11.10.11.10 Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 19/10…
Hymn: Only with God will the building, the loving
Hymn: Only with God will the building, the loving
by Andrew Pratt
Only with God will the building, the loving, praying and praising bear fruit, or make sense. When we align with divine revelation heaven draws near and love has no pretence. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: STEWARDSHIP Metre: 11.10.11.10 Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 19/10/2012 Stain…
Hymn: Father of Jesse and father of David
Hymn: Father of Jesse and father of David
by Andrew Pratt
Father of Jesse and father of David, born of a foreigner here in their midst: Ruth would nurse Obed, then comfort and nurture. Boaz brought safety it seemed she had missed. Now as we listen we re-tell this story, try to untangle the mystery and worth, one thing is certain: a love…
Monologue: Ruth and Obed
Monologue: Ruth and Obed
by Andrew Pratt
Monologue: Ruth and Obed I remember the apprehension. Wondering rather more than I ever had done before. Naomi knew that I was alone, even in the midst of her family. She also nurtured that old belief, we shared it, that life, eternal life, goes on in our children. I know you tal…
Hymn: What does it mean to love our God
Hymn: What does it mean to love our God
by Andrew Pratt
What does it mean to love our God,to see the Christ in those around, to seek God's heaven on this earth, while all around is shaking ground? How can we face the present time of chaos that we meet and find, while Jesus says we need to love with all our soul, our strength and mind?…
Hymn: God has broken walls of heartache
Hymn: God has broken walls of heartache
by Andrew Pratt
God has broken walls of heartache, entered disability, challenged concepts that estrange us in our vulnerability. Gone the curtain of the temple, gone the altar where priests stood, now we stand within the presence of the one we name as God. Verses 3-5 follow Tune: ALL FOR JESUS …
Hymn: The narrative of Godly love
Hymn: The narrative of Godly love
by Andrew Pratt
The narrative of Godly loveresists attempts to test or prove and yet exceeds our wildest dreams, while we put trust in human schemes. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: GONFANLON ROYAL Metre: LM Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 8/10/2012 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England, www.stainer.co…
Hymn: Here in the midst of greatest loss
Hymn: Here in the midst of greatest loss
by Andrew Pratt
Here in the midst of greatest loss, reflecting on what might have been, Naomi gave a kiss of peace, a kiss of comfort, yet release, but Ruth would learn what love could mean, yes she would learn what love could mean. The love these women would exchange was not ephemeral or weak, …
Once crimson poppies bloomed
Once crimson poppies bloomed
by Andrew Pratt
Once crimson poppies bloomed out in a foreign field, each memory reminds where brutal death was sealed. The crimson petals flutter down, still hatred forms a thorny crown. For in this present time we wait in vain for peace, each generation cries, each longing for release, while w…
Hymn: When sense is damaged, limiting perception
Hymn: When sense is damaged, limiting perception
by Andrew Pratt
When sense is damaged, limiting perception, God's love will not diminish or betray, for we are held in grace and loving kindness, in pain, through grief and hardship, come what may. The love of God defies our understanding, God reaches to the depths of our despair absorbing hate,…
Hymn: Great God of change and constant contradiction
Hymn: Great God of change and constant contradiction
by Andrew Pratt
Great God of change and constant contradiction, we sense your presence everywhere we go; while you transcend all human understanding, our praise on earth will sing, will rise and grow. How can we reach beyond our human compass? Great God, your grace can bring us to our knees. Our…
Hymn: Through Your grace and mercy, cared for
Hymn: Through Your grace and mercy, cared for
by Andrew Pratt
Through Your grace and mercy, cared for, lives and spirits now made whole, here where praise for years ascended, God receive, confirm, console. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: CROSS OF JESUS; LOVE DIVINE (Stsiner) Metre: 8.7.8.7 Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 27/9/2012 Stainer & Bell…
Hymn: That's it, we're humbled, on our knees