Tag: symbol

Another hymn for Maundy Thursday from Marjorie Dobson

Another hymn for Maundy Thursday from Marjorie Dobson (see also 'A towel and a basin')

1	At the table of communion 
	Jesus spoke with heavy heart 
	of the pain of separation, 
	soon to tear them all apart.
	Listening without understanding, 
	too absorbed with food and wine, 
	carefree friends could read no meaning 
	in his simple words and sign.
	
2	Bread was broken, as his body:  
	wine, a symbol of his blood. 
	Yet his call to keep that memory 
	was not clearly understood.
	Judas left, but no one noticed, 
	thought his business was his own.
	Jesus, looking round the table, 
	knew himself to be alone.
	
3	As they sang their psalm that evening, 
	then went out into the night 
	innocent of apprehension, 
	unprepared for fear or flight, 
	how their hopes and dreams were shattered, 
	confidence was turned to dread 
	and as chaos ruled around them, 
	one by one they turned and fled.
	
4	As they witnessed pain and horror-
	trial, cross and guarded tomb-
	they remembered Jesus' warning 
	given in that upper room.
	Struggling hard to find the meaning, 
	in symbolic word and sign. 
	they would find that same communion 
	we still share in bread and wine.

Marjorie Dobson (born 1940)
Words © 2019 © 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 8 7 8 7
Tunes: DIM OND IESU; LEWIS FOLK MELODY
From UNRAVELLING THE MYSTERIES, along with poems and other readings.

Salt and Light – a hymn inspired by Matthew 5: 13 – 20


This hymn was inspired by – Matthew 5: 13 – 20

1	When all the stars burn out, 
	or all the seas run dry, 
	God's love and law will still remain, 
	they soar beyond the sky.
	
2	When justice is denied, 
	or people are constrained,
	God's righteousness cannot be found,
	or hopeful joy retained.	
	
3	Bring savour to the world:
	this saltiness we share 
	is evidence of godliness 
	that we are meant to bear.
	
4	For us to be of use, 
	like standards that will shine
	we need God's power to offer grace 
	through symbol, act and sign.
	
5	Saltshakers giving taste,
	light bearers through the night,
	world changers in the name of Christ
	we bring God's reign in sight.

Andrew Pratt (born 1948) based on Matthew 5 vs 13-20 
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: 6 6 8 6
Tune: CARLISLE