The cosmic cries that sound through all creation -
inspired by Psalm 33: 1-12 especially v 8-12.
1 The cosmic cries that sound through all creation,
the pain of creatures, birth-pangs of the stars,
the whining of the world upon its axis,
you craft in ways that nothing stains or mars.
2 We cannot fathom each eternal purpose,
or wrap our minds around what is to be.
We only know that, earthed here for a season,
our role is sealing human liberty.
3 Half crazy world in which we nurture children,
where right seems absent, mercy ground to dust;
O God give courage, foster our intention
to love our neighbour, resurrect our trust.
4 So God, as we would seek to follow Jesus,
to mine the depths of wisdom he has shown,
illuminate our task and lead us onward,
until into his likeness we have grown.
Andrew E. Pratt (born 1948)
© 2009 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England copyright@stainer.co.uk . Please include any reproduction for local church use on your CCL Licence returns. All wider and any commercial use requires prior application to Stainer & Bell Ltd.
Metre: 11 10 11 10
Tune: LORD OF THE YEARS; HIGHWOOD
Created by HymnQuest.com
Author: Andrew Pratt
Andrew Pratt was born in Paignton, Devon, England in 1948.
With daring we enter the future that beckons – a hymn for new beginnings (Matthew 28: 16-20)
With daring we enter the future that beckons –
a hymn for new beginnings (Matthew 28: 16-20)
With daring we enter the future that beckons,
our feelings in tension - excitement and fear.
Wherever we're walking we know God walks with us,
before and behind, God's protection is near.
Alone in the desert God's people felt empty,
the land that was promised of honey and milk
seemed distant, reality made hope distorted,
clothed them with despairing, more sackcloth than silk.
And sometimes the way that we find in the present
has troubles and heartaches enough of its own;
but still God walks with us through valleys of darkness,
encompassed with loving, we're never alone.
So welcome the future and enter it boldly,
look back, God was with you wherever you trod.
This God is your lover through life and forever,
take hold of the certainty: this is your God.
Andrew E Pratt (born 1948)
Words © 2006 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England copyright@stainer.co.uk . Please include any reproduction for local church use on your CCL Licence returns. All wider and any commercial use requires prior application to Stainer & Bell Ltd
Metre: 12 11 12 11
Tunes: WAS LEBET, WAS SCHWEBET
Created by HymnQuest.com
A spark exists within us all – alludes to John Wesley’s experience of a strangely warmed heart on the 24th May 1738 as we approach Pentecost
A spark exists within us all - Richard Rolle wrote of the fire of love - this hymn reflects that theme but also alludes to John Wesley’s experience of a strangely warmed heart on the 24th May 1738.
1 A spark exists within us all
that, fanned, will form a flame of love;
so let cold embers warm and glow
then, flickering, dancing, leap above.
2 This sign of pre-existent power,
the ground of all enlightenment,
the blaze of which we share a part
is love that shimmers heaven bent.
3 So let that universal flame,
that fire which cannot be confined,
ignite a spirit in the world
transcending bounds of space and time.
4 Then all the earth consumed by love;
awakened, warmed, and fused as one,
will know a single sense of joy
as all rejoice beneath the sun. Amen!
Words Andrew Pratt © 2002 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England copyright@stainer.co.uk . Please include any reproduction for local church use on your CCL Licence returns. All wider and any commercial use requires prior application to Stainer & Bell Ltd.
Metre LM
Tune: GONFALON ROYAL
Created by HymnQuest.com
Pentecost – a hymn ‘Is this a void, or just a time of challenge?’
Pentecost signalled a time for a new start? A time of change for the disciples. For us? – a hymn ‘Is this a void, or just a time of challenge?’
Is this a void, or just a time of challenge,
a new found joy, beginning or an end?
Yet God has travelled with us on this journey
along with each acquaintance, neighbour, friend.
And will God leave us as we travel onward,
abandon us to all the future holds?
But God, is here, behind us and before us,
as every chance is greeted and unfolds.
So God, we offer thanks for every blessing,
for times of care and gifting, now long past,
and hand in hand we seek a common purpose,
assured that love and grace are sure to last.
Andrew E Pratt (born 1948)
Words © 2015 © Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England copyright@stainer.co.uk . Please include any reproduction for local church use on your CCL Licence returns. All wider and any commercial use requires prior application to Stainer & Bell Ltd.
Metre:11 10 11 10
Tune: INTERCESSOR
Created by HymnQuest.com
Jesus’ steadfast loving kindness – a hymn for Jackie – died 29th April 2026
Jesus’ steadfast loving kindness – a hymn for Jackie – died 29th April 2026
This hymn will be sung for the first time at her funeral at Comberbach Methodist Church, Northwich on 14th May 2026.
Jesus’ steadfast loving kindness – a hymn for Jackie – died 29th April 2026
Jesus’ steadfast loving kindness
warmed the hearts of those he met,
we who follow at a distance
emulate, do not forget.
So within this present moment
as we sing and praise and pray,
cover us with your compassion,
wipe the tears of grief away.
Help us recollect our sister,
how she shared her love and care,
reaching out to friend and stranger,
facing down the hostile stare,
how she weathered grief and sadness,
not accounting worldly wealth,
till her loving sapped resources
draining life and strength and health.
When we leave this place of worship,
trusting her into your hand,
may we know in love’s resources,
we can follow, strive and stand.
Lead us onward, ever onward
hold in mind, her love, her face,
may your steadfast loving kindness,
hold us, keep us in your grace.
Andrew Pratt 30th April 2026
Words 2026 © Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England copyright@stainer.co.uk . Please include any reproduction for local church use on your CCL Licence returns. All wider and any commercial use requires prior application to Stainer & Bell Ltd.
Tune: CALON LAN
Written for Jackie’s funeral – Jackie Daniels 1943-2026
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