Dr Tim Gordon
Marine Biologist, Exeter University
Pre-meeting text
Like concrete, coral crumbles,
devoid of life and breath,
and lifeless it will signal
our finiteness and death,
until with all creation
we find our common place
and treasure this our planet
and see, in life, God’s face.
The reef can be a model:
a commonwealth of care,
of close cooperation
of all that’s living there:
yet human beings meddle,
bring damage and distress.
We need to learn and listen
if life is to progress.
A deeper understanding
that science can provide
could bring the restoration
our actions have denied;
while prayer can open senses
to things that are obscure,
God’s spirit offers insight
to make the world secure.
Andrew Pratt 23/5/2021
Words © 2021 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: 7.6.7.6.D
Tune: LLANGLOFFAN; AURELIA
Hymn responding to Dr Tim Gordon
Marine Biologist, Exeter University
The song of the sea, once melodious is dying,
that song is essential, the calling of home;
Great God, we lament, yet the sound of our crying
is quieter than breakers, the wash of the foam.
What work must we do to restore what is broken,
how can we encourage the choir of the sea?
The spirit is moving, the waters are wounded,
the oceans are anguished for life to be free.
You enter our suffering and love in our grieving,
you join us in weakness, when frailty is near,
God hold us, enfold us when hell overcomes us,
stand near to the tomb of our folly and fear.
You promise a covenant, both gift and promise.
Creation is groaning, still coming to birth.
Bring newness, renewal, a hope that is living,
from suff’ring bring joy for the whole of the earth.
We treasure the symphony, yet we are grieving,
we long for the chorus, the song of the sea,
bring light in the darkness and sound in the silence,
Great God, co-creator let all life be free.
Andrew Pratt 24/5/2021
Words © 2021 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 YouTube - Sung and played by Gareth Moore
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