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…
This day we remember the passage to freedom
This day we remember the passage to freedom
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: This day we remember the passage to freedom Proper 18 Year A Exodus 12: 1 – 14 This day we remember the passage to freedom, the Exodus journey, redemption at hand the Passover meal we recall at this season, the sign of God's faithfulness brought to the land. This day we rem…
This day is a day of both prayer and of praising
This day is a day of both prayer and of praising
by Andrew Pratt
Second Sunday after Christmas year A Jeremiah 31: 7 – 14 Hymn: This day is a day of both prayer and of praising This day is a day of both prayer and of praising, of gath'ring the nations from east and from west, the people far south, from the north are arising, this day is the da…
This is the only earth we know
This is the only earth we know
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: This is the only earth we know Proper 20 Year A Philippians 1: 21 – 30 This is the only earth we know, all else is speculation, and though our visions lead us on, this is the time for action. Within the company of friends and those ranked round about us, is where we share t…
This is God born in a stable
This is God born in a stable
by Andrew Pratt
Philippians 2: 1 – 13 Hymn: This is God born in a stable This is God born in a stable. This is God hung on a cross. This is Christ, our God incarnate, knowing gain and sharing loss. This is God yet fully human, walking down a street in time. This is God yet faulted language makes…
This is love, love un-extinguished
This is love, love un-extinguished
by Andrew Pratt
This is love, love un-extinguished, love out lasting time and place, love surviving crucifixion, sign of hope and source of grace. This was God who bled and died there, very God they scourged and hung, it was God the child of Mary, from whom human life was wrung. Verses 2-3 follo…
Times and Seasons - This is the Baptist, unkempt and yet ready
Times and Seasons - This is the Baptist, unkempt and yet ready
by Andrew Pratt
This is the Baptist, unkempt and yet ready, calling the people to listen and act; calling them down to the water for washing, talking of holiness, Godliness, fact. This is the man who will call to repentance fisherman, Pharisee, zealot and priest; here in the river the sinners wi…
Up! Up and away! Was it really that crazy
Up! Up and away! Was it really that crazy
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: Up! Up and away! Was it really that crazy Ascension Acts 1: 1 – 11; Acts 1: 6 – 14; Psalm 47; Luke 24: 44 – 53 Up! Up and away! Was it really that crazy? Seems too much like magic, so hard to believe. His ministry ended. The cross was behind him. Disciples commissioned, so …
We are guardians for the people
We are guardians for the people
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: We are guardians for the people Proper 18 Year A Ezekiel 33: 7 – 11 We are guardians for the people, called by God to care and serve acting out the love of neighbour, giving all without reserve. We are prophets for the people, God has asked us to protect... Tune: ALL FOR JE…
Way out beyond the stone clad walls
Way out beyond the stone clad walls
by Andrew Pratt
Way out beyond the stone clad walls where hills are steep and ravens fed, the quad-bike riding shepherd looks for sheep, distressed or lost or dead. Ten times a hundred fill the fold, but every shepherd holds a place where beasts are safe, are kept and held, are held by duty, lov…
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 …
We cannot judge another's way