Search Results
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: A troubled soul, the Christ of God
Hymn: A troubled soul, the Christ of God
by Andrew Pratt
A troubled soul, the Christ of God, humanity exposed, with all the turmoil that we feel, when choices are proposed. The monumental choice he faced, the crisis must be met, to take the path of love to death, or turn away, forget. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: ELLACOMBE Metre: DCM Andr…
Hymn: Beginning with blessing
Hymn: Beginning with blessing
by Andrew Pratt
Beginning with blessing and bounded with praise where earth touches heaven, the birth of new days. A waiting would follow, the Spirit would come, and those who still followed were acting as one. Verse 2 follows Tune: PADERBORN Metre: 11.11.11.11 Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words ©…
Hymn: Beyond the bounds of Galilee
Hymn: Beyond the bounds of Galilee
by Andrew Pratt
Beyond the bounds of Galilee he found his fame had spread, and though he sought for solitude was followed there instead. Both Jew and Gentile came to him that he might meet their needs. He cast out fear, cured many ills, ignoring caste and creeds. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: ELLACOMB…
Hymn: Beyond imagination
Hymn: Beyond imagination
by Andrew Pratt
Beyond imagination, a sacrifice of grace: the Godhead seems diminished, one of the human race. Now humbled for a lifetime to share our human breath, and once the task was finished to suffer human death. Verses 3-4 follow Tune: PASSION CHORALE Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 17…
Hymn: Flint-faced against all fears and all disasters
Hymn: Flint-faced against all fears and all disasters
by Andrew Pratt
Flint-faced against all fears and all disasters, while squaring up to those who wish us harm, we trust in God for now, and what comes after, and hope for grace to mend, to soothe and calm. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: INTERCESSOR Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 17/2/2012 Stainer & …
Hymn: God who walked this earth before us
Hymn: God who walked this earth before us
by Andrew Pratt
God who walked this earth before us, over mountains, by cool springs, pictured in the poet's image: soaring high on eagles’ wings: We can never cage or capture such a Spirit in her flight, yet within a vaulted temple people seek to praise your might. Verses 3-4 follow Tune: RUSSI…
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, …
Hymn: Look: gnawed and bleached, dismembered bones
Hymn: Look: gnawed and bleached, dismembered bones
by Andrew Pratt
Look: gnawed and bleached, dismembered bones, a desert valley strewn with stones, a metaphor of hopelessness, for people worn with weariness. It took a poet's way with thought, an image that his mind had caught: imagine flesh and new found life, a counter to historic strife. Vers…
Hymn: Like feathers on the wind
Hymn: Like feathers on the wind
by Andrew Pratt
Like feathers on the wind our words can lose their way, a loosened tongue, as much as arms, is in the devil's pay. We need a listening ear, a slowness when we act, before we judge, the time to sift the rumour from the fact. Verses 3-4 follow Tune: GARELOCHSIDE; POTSDAM Metre: SM …
Hymn: Rejoice! Rejoice! Again I say rejoice!
Hymn: Rejoice! Rejoice! Again I say rejoice!
by Andrew Pratt
Rejoice! Rejoice! Again I say rejoice! Our God is near, it's time to make our choice, in gentleness and purposeful in grace, to share God's love in every time and place. Rejoice! Rejoice! Again I say rejoice! Put fear aside, let prayer inspire each voice. This is the gift that ea…
Hymn: Strange magic? No, the grace of God
Hymn: Strange magic? No, the grace of God
by Andrew Pratt
Strange magic? No, the grace of God. A healing signified the facts: that in the Spirit's way and style, disciples mirrored saving acts. The steps of Jesus led the way, this carpenter, once nailed to wood, and though the crowds rejected him, now Peter stands where he once stood. V…
Hymn: Through Your grace and mercy, cared for