We do not know, we cannot tell – a hymn – As seasons turn

We do not know, we cannot tell – a hymn - As seasons turn Autumn (or Fall, however we name it) heralds Winter, but Spring will offer new creation. How much do we need human intervention for such hope, such  radical, new ways of thinking and living in the world today.

1 We do not know, we cannot tell,
the reason or the season,
the time of things that are to come,
the time of God's completion.

2 At last the spirit will reform,
will counter alteration,
will clear the way for Love to rule,
God's final consummation.

3 The image of a cloud would shape
a sign of elevation,
a metaphor for earth and heaven's
intimate connection.

4 And words relate what minds still doubt,
though faith would make assertion,
that Christ in God is God again,
allowing love's dispersion.

5 Then from this day the path, the way,
took human intervention,
and love still lives, still forms our lives
through constant re-creation.

Andrew Pratt (born 1948)
Words © 2012 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 7 8 7
Tune: DOMINUS REGIT ME
Created by HymnQuest.com

Coniston © Andrew Pratt 2019

From the Bridge (Bridge 196 Trent & Mersey Canal) Marbury Park, Northwich (updated 29 January 2026)

A series of photos taken from Bridge 196 over the Trent & Mersey Canal at various seasons over a few years. All © Andrew Pratt 2026

Thank you to the Canal & River Trust for maintaining this beautiful place

Montage of views from Photoshop © Andrew Pratt

Hymn of Seasons

From season to season, 
through death and re-birth,
this world, through its phases,
shows love has no dearth.

Such love is for sharing,
to do good to all,
to nurture well-being,
to echo God's call.

Through sensitive reason
we fathom the need
of neighbours, of nature;
we subjugate greed.

We offer each other
the kiss of God's peace,
embracing earth's harmony,
hatred will cease.

Through summer and autumn,
through winter's release,
we welcome spring's coming
with nature's increase.

All praise for the gifting
of harvest and life,
all power to the ending
of all human strife.

Andrew E Pratt (born 1948)
Words © 2002 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: DATCHET