Andrew Pratt

Why earthquakes? – a reflective poem

If God created all that is,

then earthquake, wind and fire

are just as much laid at God’s door,

the stakes could not be higher.

I questioned once, and just like Job,

the answer was unclear.

It seems existence on this globe

is allied to our fear.

Without a moving, fragile crust,

this earth could not bear life;

no mountains, canyons, rivers seas,

we’re balanced on a knife.

These earthquakes challenge love and hope,

can undermine our grace,

yet this our existential need:

to build love in this place.

The simplest of words – a hymn inspired by Matthew 18: 15-20

‘The simplest of words have eternal importance’ a hymn inspired by Matthew 18:15-20 

The simplest of words have eternal importance, 
a 'yes' or a 'no' last for more than a day. 
Be careful in talking and choose your words wisely, 
then think before speaking of what you will say. 
	
How often we utter our words without wisdom.
Perhaps we should ask 'Is it true?' 'Is it kind?'
And what motivates us, should we be repeating
the words that we heard, or the thoughts that we find?
	
In love and compassion, then, let us consider
the ways we affirm and the ways we deride
the sisters and brothers, the neighbours God brought us, 
and then in God's harmony stand side by side.

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: 12 11 12 11
Tune: STREETS OF LAREDO

CLIMATE HYMNS ON-LINE: RICHARD BAKER

Dr Richard Baker is a Local Preacher and, as a lay Pastor of Bramhall Methodist Church, in 2021 he organised Seminars and Discussion Groups relating to Climate Change. In a previous series he had addressed the interface of Science and Faith.

He has written material for continuing development of Preachers entitled – Worshiping Biblically in the context of the climate emergency.

Recently he has written some thought-provoking Hymns which are available here, on his web-site.

You can download a pdf of the hymns here

Shaken confidence dismembers

A hymn inspired by Matthew 16: 21 perhaps, also useful in difficult times and when faith is tested.

‘From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and 
undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, 
and on the third day be raised.’

Shaken confidence dismembers 
faith that once had seemed secure, 
things that frighten in this moment, 
at one time had seemed demure.

Love is fractured, hope is fettered, 
grace obscured from sight or sound, 
while we cry in desperation, 
'where is safe and solid ground'.

Through the mist a form is shaping, 
living sign of love and grace, 
God embodied, present, human, 
seen in every neighbour's face.

Hold the truth when doubt is raging, 
when our lives are insecure, 
fold in love each friend and neighbour, 
till that love feels safe and sure.

Andrew E Pratt (born 1948)

© 2015 Stainer and Bell Ltd. 

Words: Andrew Pratt (born 1948) © 2015 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England, 

www.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: STUTTGART

Great prophet of pity – A hymn inspired by Romans 12: 1-8

Great prophet of pity - A hymn inspired by Romans 12: 1-8

Great prophet of pity, subversive in love,
unsettle our comfort, divert and reprove;
that, moved from self-interest, and shielded from pride,
we might yet embody the gifts of your bride.

O raise up your people and fit them to care
for all who are lonely or lost in despair.
The reed that is bending, the wick that burns low,
through grace and persistence, God, help them to grow.

From each generation, race, colour or creed,
Christ, gather together, united by need,
the ones that you value, and God, may we find,
in spite of ourselves that your welcome is kind.

Andrew E Pratt (born 1948)
Words © 2003  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 11 11 11
Tune: ST DEINIO