Within the Areopagus – A hymn inspired by Paul’s meeting at the altar to an unknown God

A hymn inspired by Paul’s meeting at the altar to an unknown God within the Areopagus

1	Within the Areopagus
	debate was heated, talk was fast, 
	Paul joined this lively interchange: 
	debate goes on, the questions last.
	
2	It was not easy to believe: 
	the 'god' they worshipped was unknown. 
	They harboured an uncertainty, 
	another 'god' might still be shown?
	
3	What was the nature of this 'god'? 
	They argued, logic made them strain 
	beyond the confines of the known, 
	beyond the scope of mind or brain.
	
4	The ground of being, source of hope, 
	this nameless creativity, 
	might be the 'god' for whom they sought, 
	now focused in humanity.
	
5	It is not easy to believe, 
	but this we trust through faith and grace, 
	the unknown God for which they sought 
	is seen in Jesus life and face.

Andrew Pratt (born 1948)
© 2011 Stainer and Bell Ltd.
Metre: 8 8 8 8
Tune: Melcombe