The definitive version of this text consists of verses 1, 2 (or 2A), 3, 4 , 5 , 6. The author requests that this should usually be used in preference to the earlier versions of 4 and 5, number 4A and 5A
1 The God of cosmic question
Surprises by his birth,
Not in some new dimension
But on this ravaged earth!
2 At scientific frontiers
We seek the cosmic truth:
The ground of our existence
That set creation loose,
2A In quasars, quarks and pulsars
We seek the cosmic truth:
The ground of our existence
That set creation loose,
3 And human senses lead us,
Through all they analyse,
From arrogance to wonder,
To spiritual surprise.
4 But senses have their limits:
Unanswered still there lies
The single, deepest question
Our intellect derives.
4A But senses have their limits:
Unanswered still there lies
The single, deepest question
Our intellect supplies.
5 Yet history proffers insight:
The Christ of time and space
Speaks of a God incarnate
Born in a squalid place.
5A Yet history proffers insight:
The Christ of time and space
Speaks of a God incarnate
Amid this curious race:
6 Alive within our compass,
Upon this ravaged earth,
The God of cosmic question
Surprises by his birth!
Andrew E Pratt (born 1948)
© 1991 Stainer & Bell Ltd
7 6 7 6
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