New Jerusalem
New Jerusalem
by Andrew T Murphy
Seen alongside William Blake's original poem, this is a reworking for Christian congregations, using the same tune (by Parry). Suitable especially for occasions where 'Jerusalem' is requested but the words of the original are not relevant. The first verse deals with the mystery…
A mirage, nothing more
A mirage, nothing more
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: A mirage, nothing more Proper 17 Year A Jeremiah 15: 15 – 21 A mirage, nothing more, that’s how God often seems, for even though we keep the faith, is God a God of dreams? We pray by night and day, but answers seem remote, and then detractors laugh at us, make fun of us and…
A hymn for candle lighting services in Advent
A hymn for candle lighting services in Advent
by Andrew Pratt
A hymn for candle lighting services in Advent Different lectionaries and churches use different themes and orders for these service, A selection of four verses for the Sundays of Advent should be chosen from the selection together with the last verse for Christmas day. The order …
A day of anointing, miraculous passage
A day of anointing, miraculous passage
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: A day of anointing, miraculous passage Proper 26 Year A Joshua 3:7-17 A day of anointing, miraculous passage, the Jordan held back as they passed on dry land. The Ark at the centre, the focus of Godhead, the people marched forward to conquer and stand. That's how they recor…
A day of returning, a day to remember
A day of returning, a day to remember
by Andrew Pratt
A day of returning, a day to remember: the years of their exile were over and gone, a day of thanksgiving for such preservation, a day for rejoicing, a day to move on. And now they would settle to re-build a kingdom, to value tradition, to start a new life. For now they were feas…
A little child shall lead the nations
A little child shall lead the nations
by Andrew Pratt
A little child shall lead the nations, the light of hope came in that hour, the grace of God, a present promise, had dawned with light and love and power. Verse 2 follows Tune: ST CLEMENT Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 19/1/2014 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England, www.stainer.…
A topsy, turvy, upturned world
A topsy, turvy, upturned world
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: A topsy, turvy, upturned world Proper 20 Year A Matthew 20:1-16 A topsy, turvy, upturned world, where values are distorted, the first is last and last is first with everything contorted. The rich are begging at the door while ones they were despising are given charge of God…
A pastor's voice, attuned to care
A pastor's voice, attuned to care
by Andrew Pratt
A pastor's voice, attuned to care, committed to protection, rang through the hills of Galilee, love forming each inflexion. He spoke of sheep, he knew his flock, they'd never find him sleeping, his very life would be laid down, and none would leave his keeping. Verses 3-4 follow …
A twisting wind that wreaks such devastation
A twisting wind that wreaks such devastation
by Andrew Pratt
A twisting wind that wreaks such devastation, a town like matchwood torn and turned around; an act of God? Or nature's self destruction? Here people die, trees rooted from the ground. It seems there is no safety in this carnage. And where is God when random death walks in destro…
All the praying, all the pounding
All the praying, all the pounding
by Andrew Pratt
All the praying, all the pounding, all the crying at God’s door cannot make God more attentive, cannot make God love us more. Here through our persistent waiting we will find a present grace, grace for patient expectation, till we meet God face to face. Verses 3-5 follow 8.7.8.7 …
All life's praising fills creation
All life's praising fills creation
by Andrew Pratt
All life's praising fills creation, breathless dancing setting free lives to give their brief expression to the things we sense or see. Praise is building, deep crescendo, rhythmic shaking moves the earth, like some cosmic exaltation bringing love and joy to birth. Verses 2-3 fol…
All the glory of the cosmos
All the glory of the cosmos
by Andrew Pratt
All the glory of the cosmos bleeds its brilliance through the darkness, light emerges, shadows shorten, sign and hope of people's pardon. Nations gather in communion, cov’nant grace and hope of union, lift your eyes for God is with us, bringing hope through Christ's forgiveness. …
Almost silent, God would whisper