To set the context. Not everyone is a Royalist. I am Republican (in an English sense) by conviction. But… accident makes me roughly a month younger than Charles. He came to Queen’s College, Birmingham when I was training for ministry. He seemed far more at one with us students than many of the accompanying clergy and signatories. He is born into a role he did not choose anymore than I chose my birth. So a hymn for me, for us, perhaps for him…
This hymn is one of prayer, dedication and affirmation which might be used individually, or in connection with the Coronation. (inspired by Philippians 4:8)
Commend what is excellent, things that bring honour,
things that are praiseworthy, honest and pure,
whatever is pleasing, whatever brings justice:
these are the things to affirm and secure.
Be known by your gentleness, loyal in your dealings,
favour no person, but honour the poor.
Then welcome the stranger, the widow, the outcast,
to join as companions through love's open door.
Wherever God finds you, wherever you wander,
take faith as your watchword, let care bring renown;
while greeting each neighbour with hands that show friendship
let grace be your goal and let love be your crown.
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. Published in More than hymns
Metre: 12 11 12 11
Tune: WAS LEBET, WAS SCHWEBET
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