Andrew Pratt
Wild wilderness pathetic desolation
Wild wilderness pathetic desolation
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: Wild wilderness, pathetic desolation First Sunday in Lent Year A Matthew 4: 1 – 11 Wild wilderness, pathetic desolation, as Jesus walked, then rested for the night, for forty days his strength was tried and tested, for forty days he sifted wrong and right. He woke to hunger…
I wondered as I wandered
I wondered as I wandered
by Andrew Pratt
Poem: Adam’s reflection - I wondered as I wandered First Sunday in Lent Year A Genesis 2: 15 – 17; 3; 1 – 7 I wondered as I wandered at the meaning of it all, I had seen the apple's greening, I had watched the leaflets fall. I had started at first sunrise, at the blinding of my e…
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…
Transfiguration
Transfiguration
by Andrew Pratt
Meditation: Transfiguration Last Sunday before Lent year A Matthew 17: 1 – 9 Respite, that’s what I need, respite. Do you ever have one of those periods when you just need lifting out of yourself? And then it comes, like a gift from God. You get an unexpected ‘phone call, a lette…
Three disciples saw God's glory
Three disciples saw God's glory
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: Three disciples saw God’s glory Last Sunday before Lent year A Matthew 17: 1 – 9 Three disciples saw God’s glory, sunlight pouring from Christ’s face, shielding eyes are almost blinded, shaken by God’s present grace. Was it just imagination, was that Moses there as well? Th…
God laughs at foolish schemes and plans
God laughs at foolish schemes and plans
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: God laughs at foolish schemes and plans Last Sunday before Lent year A Psalm 2; 2 Peter 1:16-21 God laughs at foolish schemes and plans and sets the heavens shaking, so those who act outside God’s love, in truth, should now be quaking. A potter who has spoilt a vase may br…
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…
I don't get it. God has left me
I don't get it. God has left me
by Andrew Pratt
Eighth Sunday after Epiphany Year A Isaiah 49: 14 – 16 Hymn: I don't get it. God has left me ‘I don't get it. God has left me’ hear the peoples’ crude lament. Yet God pleads and makes a promise, I will hold and not relent. God will hear, God will know, God will always he…
Fashions, fads, have no attraction
Fashions, fads, have no attraction
by Andrew Pratt
Eighth Sunday after Epiphany Year A Matthew 6: 24 – 34 Hymn: Fashions, fads, have no attraction Fashions, fads, have no attraction, riches, feasting, lose appeal; when our minds are focussed, Christ-like, then perspective is more real... Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © Stain…
Leave a little for the needy?
Leave a little for the needy?
by Andrew Pratt
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany Year A Leviticus 19; 1 -2; 9 – 18; Psalm 119:33-40; 1 Corinthians 3:10- 11, 16-23; Matthew 5:38-48 Hymn: Leave a little for the needy? Leave a little for the needy? This will meet the Bible’s law, but a living Christian spirit takes us further, asks …
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…
Come wake the dead and raise the roof
Come wake the dead and raise the roof
by Andrew Pratt
Eighth Sunday after Epiphany Year A Isaiah 49 8 - 16 Hymn: Come, wake the dead and raise the roof Come, wake the dead and raise the roof, we'll picnic in the hills, the day of God will come to pass, when fear no longer chills... Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © Stainer & Bell…
Safe as any child, God keeps us
Safe as any child, God keeps us
by Andrew Pratt
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany Year A Hymn: Safe as any child, God keeps us – Based on Psalm 131 – also February 27 Safe as any child, God keeps us firmly held, secure and warm,. Calm and quiet each soul is rested, sure within the fiercest storm... Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Word…
When all the stars burn out
When all the stars burn out
by Andrew Pratt
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Year A Matthew 5: 13 – 20 Hymn: When all the stars burn out, When all the stars burn out, or all the seas run dry, God's love and law will still remain, they soar beyond the sky... Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England,…
We justify the things we do
We justify the things we do
by Andrew Pratt
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany Year A Psalm 119: 1 – 8; Matthew 5: 21 – 37 Hymn: We justify the things we do, We justify the things we do, we veil our acts with lies. We argue round and round by turns, and peer through our disguise. The law that Christ would have us keep goes well …
Trampled road grit has no saviour
Trampled road grit has no saviour
by Andrew Pratt
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Year A Matthew 5: 13 – 20 Hymn: Trampled road grit has no savour Trampled road grit has no savour, good for stamping under foot; but to season gifts and graces needs the salt that's pure and good... Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © Stainer & Bell Ltd…
Not in lofty words or wisdom
Not in lofty words or wisdom
by Andrew Pratt
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Year A 1 Corinthians 2: 1 – 16 Hymn: Not in lofty words or wisdom Not in lofty words or wisdom but in simple words and speech we will talk of love and gospel free to all and free to each... Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © Stainer & Bell Ltd, London,…
Are we naked stark and child like