Author: Andrew Pratt

Andrew Pratt was born in Paignton, Devon, England in 1948.

We do not know, we cannot tell – a hymn – As seasons turn

We do not know, we cannot tell – a hymn - As seasons turn Autumn (or Fall, however we name it) heralds Winter, but Spring will offer new creation. How much do we need human intervention for such hope, such  radical, new ways of thinking and living in the world today.

1	We do not know, we cannot tell, 
	the reason or the season, 
	the time of things that are to come, 
	the time of God's completion.
	
2	At last the spirit will reform, 
	will counter alteration, 
	will clear the way for Love to rule, 
	God's final consummation.
	
3	The image of a cloud would shape 
	a sign of elevation, 
	a metaphor for earth and heaven's 
	intimate connection.
	
4	And words relate what minds still doubt, 
	though faith would make assertion,
	that Christ in God is God again, 
	allowing love's dispersion.
	
5	Then from this day the path, the way,  
	took human intervention, 
	and love still lives, still forms our lives 
	through constant re-creation.

Andrew Pratt (born 1948)
Words © 2012 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: 8 7 8 7
Tune: DOMINUS REGIT ME
Created by HymnQuest.com

Coniston © Andrew Pratt 2019

Watchmen wait in expectation (hymn) – Matthew 25: 1-13 – the waiting bridesmaids

Watchmen wait in expectation (hymn) – Matthew 25: 1-13 – the waiting bridesmaids- we never know the time…

1	Watchmen wait in expectation,
	wait the coming of the dawn;
	keep the charge that they've been given,
	faithful to the vow they've sworn.
	Now, amidst anticipation,
	keep us faithful to your task,
	till you greet us, loving Saviour,
	this is all we seek or ask.

2	Bridesmaids wait in expectation,
	each lamp trimmed with hopeful flame;
	wait the bridegroom, at his coming
	he will call them each by name.
	Now, amidst anticipation,
	keep us faithful to your task,
	till you greet us, loving Saviour,
	this is all we seek or ask.

3	Still we wait in expectation,
	wait the coming of your word;
	keep alight the faith we carry,
	that our hope may be assured.
	Now, amidst anticipation,
	keep us faithful to your task,
	till you greet us, loving Saviour,
	till we're welcomed home at last.

Andrew E Pratt (born 1948)	
© 2000 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: 8 7 8 7 D Trochaic Tune: THERE’S A LIGHT UPON THE MOUNTAINS
Created by HymnQuest.com

© Andrew Pratt 2026

If all the world could live as one – A hymn for ALL SAINTS DAY

If all the world could live as one – A hymn for ALL SAINTS DAY

1           If all the world could live as one
              respecting each and every need,
              to be as neighbours sharing all,
              then God’s commands could be our creed.
              Much less a law to bind and tie,
              but more descriptive of the life
              we share in common care and love,
              where there would be no sense in strife.
             
2           In such a world of harmony
              our highest aim would be the good
              of those we know who think like us 
              and those who we’ve misunderstood.
              The fruit of action, word and thought
              would demonstrate itself to be,       
              the keeping of God’s gracious law,
              the birth of human liberty.
             
3           Our common task would be to share
              the joy of hope, the pain of grief,
              to live in humble faith and love
              with those constrained by disbelief;
              to show impartial grace to all,
              to greet as brother, sister, friend,
              the ones with whom we share this world,
              to live the love that will not end.

Andrew Pratt (born 1948)
Words © 2011 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: LMD Tune ST PATRICT
Created by HymnQuest.com

A hymn – ‘Investing in a monolith’

Some thoughts reflecting on Matthew 22:34-46 – a hymn – ‘Investing in a monolith’

1           Investing in a monolith
              that reaches to the sky
              can blind us to our neighbour’s loss,
              we’re deaf to hear their cry.
              The infrastructure that we crave,
              carves scars across the land,
              where food and beauty once was found,
              but can no longer stand.

2           The monuments we build to power
              that sap a nation’s wealth,
              will crumble as they leech the poor,
              yet wreck our moral health.
              When will we learn a quiet way,
              not strident in its speech,
              of love for neighbour, knowing peace
              is not beyond our reach?

3           When will we till this common ground
              we share through human birth,
              that all its riches, love and joy,
              may show our common worth;
              each one a child, a neighbour, friend,
              a partner in this life?
              Then let us share in Christ-like love,
              and harbour no more strife.

Words: Andrew Pratt © 2018 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: CMD Tune: VOS DILECTI
Created by HymnQuest.com