Category: Theology

Such blasphemous extravagance – a hymn inspired by the raising of Lazarus but pertinent at this time

John 11:1-45 – The raising of Lazarus - Jesus’ assertions that his actions would demonstrate who he was were, to those around him, blasphemous in the extreme…and all this in the context that he was moving nearer to Jerusalem where he would be crucified.

This lyrical poem seems pertinent in the world at this time…

1	Such blasphemous extravagance 
	as limb is torn from limb;
	expense is unaccountable, 
	is this the final sin? 

2	There is no god, yet pain is god,  
	and God is very real, 
	amid the carnage and the fear, 
	the hatred that we feel

3	And did God look through human eyes 
	and touch with human hands, 
	and did a human mind discern 
	love's seed sown in these lands?

4	Yes, Christ is God, incarnate God, 
	and still his flesh is torn; 
	and eyes that look on all the world 
	with tears and cares are worn.

5	And still God hangs with wondering eyes 
	and all the world seems lost, 
	and no one dares to face the facts, 
	while parents count the cost.

6	When will we learn, O can we learn, 
	the lesson that Christ taught: 
	that wood and nails can never end 
	the love for which he fought.

Andrew Pratt (born 1948)
© 2010 Stainer and 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 6 8 6
Tune: BRISTOL Ravenscroft – ‘Hark the glad sound’

Created by HymnQuest.com

God disarm us from the language – pertinent in a time when language and how it is being used can be utterly damaging


God disarm us from the language

God disarm us from the language
that will harm, or dispossess,
that disparages our neighbour
words that hurt, or bring distress.

God bring love instead of hatred,
tear down barriers we have built,
bring your grace among all nations,
takeaway our fear and guilt.

Take us, use us, in this purpose,
so our actions emulate,
all that brings us peaceful living,
not just tools of chance or fate.

Build between us bonds of friendship,
bridges in the place of lies,
till we’re bound with one another:
held by love that none denies.

Andrew E. Pratt (born 1948)
© 2026 Stainer and Bell Ltd., London, England, http://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: SHIPSTON




Thoughts on how we use language – the need for listening and empathy

If we share a common humanity what matters in terms of how language is used is not what we think is affirming or hurtful BUT how those being addressed, or described, receive what is being said.

If I feel affirmed or put down by how I am named or described that is real for me, however the person addressing me feels about what they are saying.

Empathy and listening is needed before we condemn changes in language that we might see as ‘fashionable’ or unnecessary.

All of this ought to apply to our day to day conversation as we recognise the common humanity we share with one another, whatever name, creed, gender, orientation, self-identification or other criteria.

It is equally important in public documents and conversation, politically, in religious worship and in every other sphere

The key word in all of this is simply KINDNESS.

Baptised into being, the Lord of creation – hymn inspired by Matthew 3:13-17)

Baptised into being, the Lord of creation (Matthew 3:13-17)

1	Baptised into being, the Lord of creation:
	the dove is descending the Spirit has come, 
	it soars and it swoops on the face of the waters, 
	Christ blessed in that moment, his mission begun.
	
2	Here John the Baptiser will pass on the baton, 
	though harsh and prophetic, his message, refined,
	will gain a new purpose, as Jesus will challenge:
	the powers and authorities now undermined.
	
3	But that will come later, for now for the honing 
	of all his integrity, knowledge and skill, 
	the Christ is cast out to the wilds of the desert, 
	where animals forage and hunger can kill.
	
4	And on his return he will live as God with us, 
	humanity clothed with both loving and grace, 
	to temper all justice with mercy, compassion, 
	a model of life for the whole human race.
	
5	And when will we walk in the steps of this master? 
	And when will we emulate what we see there:
	inclusive and limitless love for creation 
	where all is of value and all deserve care?

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: 12 11 12 11
Tunes: ST CATHERINE’S COURT