Author: Andrew Pratt

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

All Saints – All Souls – Remembrance



The 1st of November is All Saints Day; the 3rd All Souls Day. As we enter this period, culminating for many on the 11th November with Remembrance Day, and the 13th Remembrance Sunday, this hymn might be helpful for we who mourn, who remember those who have died. 

Some churches will recognise All Souls this coming Sunday. This hymn was originally requested for remembrance of people who had died of kidney disease and later included in a book: Hymns of Hope and Healing.



The lives we mourn have known their share of heartache, 
of human fear, uncertainty and shock,
and yet we also shared in love and laughter, 
our memories hold solid as a rock; 
for on through time remembrance will be treasured, 
we'll keep it close when joy is tinged with pain, 
we'll never lose the smiles that sign togetherness, 
and day to day we know that love will still remain.

 
We never know what waits in life's uncertainty, 
we never know what love, what joy, what fear, 
can build us up, or leave us lost and comfortless, 
afraid to face, again, the coming year, 
yet here are people who can hold their hands with us, 
can walk with us into the great unknown, 
and so together we can walk the path of life, 
and know that when we stumble love will still be shown.

 
So take my hand, my friend, my neighbour, walk with me, 
together we can face the passing storm, 
and know with God, in spite of tears and emptiness, 
there is a sense that new love can be born. 
In this we trust, for through our grief God held to us, 
and human arms have caught us when we fell, 
beyond this day each dawn will bring new hope for us 
that through God's love and grace and care all will be well.


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 10 12 1012 10 12 12
Tune LONDONNERY AIR



Hymn at a time when people feel excluded – God, save us from the platitudes

God values all – Joel 2: 28 – 29 – hymn at a time when people feel excluded. The prophet Joel said: 
28 Then afterwards I will pour out my spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. 29 Even on the male and female slaves, in those days, I will pour out my spirit.
1	God, save us from the platitudes, 
	the empty prayers and hollow praise
	that blind us to hypocrisy
	of every thoughtless word or phrase.
	O take us, mend us, make us one 
	until your work on earth is done. 
	
2	When pride and selfishness demand
	our rights when others suffer hurt,
	when greed and use of wealth exploit
	and push our neighbours in the dirt
	yes, take us, mend us, make us one 
	until your work on earth is done. 
	
3	Within a world of fear-built walls 
	of colour, social class or creed,
	God, help us look with Christ-lit eyes
	for Christ within another's need;
	O, take us, mend us, make us one 
	until your work on earth is done. 
	
4	O God of fundamental grace 
	in which your church has grown and stands,
	great God of self-denying love 
	may hatred die in every land.
	Yes, take us, mend us, make us one 
	until your peace on earth is won.
	
5	Then graceful hospitality
	may welcome angels unaware,
	until your all inclusive love
	spans through all time, is everywhere,
	for by your grace we now are one,
	your hope is gained, your work is done.

Andrew E 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: 8 8 8 8 8 8
Tune: ABINGDON