25th January
Conversion of Paul
Blinded by light from heaven
which blazed down from above,
fired by the glorious vision
Paul chose your way of love.
So Lord, like Paul, convert us,
transform our night to day;
empow'r us with your Spirit,
and guide us in your way.
19th March
Joseph of Nazareth
We praise you, Lord, for Joseph,
true carer for your Son;
Jesus he did take to Egypt
till Herod's rage was done.
A carpenter by training,
he made for Christ a home;
through Josephs care and nurture
our Father's love is known.
14th May
Matthias
To take the place of Judas,
disciples sought God's will;
the lot fell to Matthias
that needed space to fill.
We follow his example
with you, Lord, as our friend;
may we, with you beside us,
continue to the end.
11th June
Barnabas
For Barnabas we praise you,
who journeyed far with Paul;
encouraging and hopeful,
your love he shared with all;
in ministry and caring
may we bring hope and cheer,
to banish doubt and darkness,
and drive away all fear.
24th June
Birth of John the Baptist
Give thanks for John the Baptist,
forerunner of the Word,
who went ahead preparing
the way for Christ our Lord.
Greatest among the prophets,
he saw in Christ the One
whom God had sent to save us,
Jesus, his only Son.
29th June
Peter
For Peter, Lord, we praise you,
eager and unafraid;
though three times he denied you,
on him your charge you laid.
Lord, make us faithful pastors,
to feed your flock with care;
to tend them with devotion,
their burden gladly share.
3rd July
Thomas
For Thomas we now thank you,
who wanted you to prove
that you indeed were risen,
the Lord of life and love.
In all our human searching,
inspire us with your grace,
and even when we're doubting,
help us to see your face.
22nd July
Mary Magdalene
We praise you now for Mary,
whose life was changed and turned
by you, her friend and master;
for you she longed and yearned.
In tears, she sensed you call her
and as your voice she heard,
the woman once rejected
saw first the Risen Lord.
25th July
James
We praise you for the witness
of James, the one who died
in telling of his Saviour,
Jesus the Crucified.
Lord, help us not to treasure
our worldly goods or fame,
but may we, trials enduring,
bring glory to your name.
24th August
Bartholomew
Bartholomew th'apostle,
least known among your friends,
remained a faithful foll'wer
and served you to the end.
His deeds may not be noted,
but he to Christ stayed true;
may we too seek your glory,
and only honour you.
21st September
Matthew
Matthew the tax-collector,
left all his worldly gain,
to rise and follow Jesus;
he tells us: 'Do the same!'
The good news of our Saviour
his gospel words declare;
may we forsake what's passing,
is risen life to share.
18th October
Luke
For Luke, the faithful doctor,
we thank you; for he shows
the healing Christ, who reaches
to share our pains and woes.
Stretch out your hand to save us,
to cleanse us deep within,
and make us whole to serve you,
to heal this world of sin.
28th October
Simon and Jude
For Jude and Simon, praise, Lord,
who walked the pilgrim way;
the call of Christ compelled them
to serve him, come what may.
Like them, with hearts enlivened,
may we that hope retain,
and walk the rugged pathway
eternal life to gain.
30th November
Andrew
We thank you, Lord, for Andrew,
who, answering your call,
went straight to tell his brother
he'd met the Lord of All.
At once he left his fishing,
and home beside the sea.
May we take up your challenge:
`Get up! Come, follow me!'
26th December
Stephen
For Stephen, true and righteous,
we praise you, Lord, and bless;
he stood to challenge evil,
and your great name confess.
Like him, may we be willing
your Lordship to proclaim;
that, faced with opposition,
we may uphold your Name.
27th December
John the Evangelist
John, your belov'd disciple,
wrote down all that he knew
of Christ, our Lord and Saviour,
that we might know him too.
We praise you for his record
of peace and love and grace;
through Christ we see the Father,
and meet him in this place.
28th December
Holy Innocents
With aching hearts we honour
those infants killed in hate
by Herod's jealous fury
faced with a Prince so great.
Such innocents as martyrs
unnerve us with their pain;
yet safe in Jesus' keeping
they shall not die again.
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163 Rosamond E. Herklots (1905-1987) alt. © Oxford University Press
1. 'Forgive our sins as we forgive',
you taught us, Lord, to pray;
but you alone can grant us grace
to live the words we say.
2. How can your pardon reach and bless
the unforgiving heart
that broods on wrongs, and will not let
old bitterness depart?
3. In blazing light your Cross reveals
the truth we dimly knew:
what trivial debts are owed to us,
how great our debt to you!
4. Lord, cleanse the depths within our souls,
and bid resentment cease.
Then, bound to all in bonds of love,
our lives will spread your peace.
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164 John L. Hardwick © Daybreak Music Ltd
For God so loved the world
he gave his only Son,
and whoever believes in him
shall not die, but have eternal life.
L is for the love that he has for me,
I am the reason he died on the tree,
F is for forgiveness and now I am free,
E is to enjoy being in his company.
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165 Dave Richards © 1977 Thankyou Music
For I'm building a people of power
and I'm making a people of praise,
that will move through this land by my Spirit,
and will glorify my precious name.
Build your Church, Lord,
make us strong, Lord,
join our hearts, Lord,
through your Son.
Make us one, Lord, in your body,
in the kingdom of your Son.
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166 John Raphael Peacey (1896-1971) © By kind permission of the Revd M. J. Hancock
1. For Mary, mother of our Lord,
God's holy name be praised,
who first the Son of God adored,
as on her child she gazed.
2. The angel Gabriel brought the word
she should Christ's mother be;
Our Lady, handmaid of the Lord,
made answer willingly.
3. The heav'nly call she thus obeyed,
and so God's will was done;
the second Eve love's answer made
which our redemption won.
4. She gave her body for God's shrine,
her heart to piercing pain,
and knew the cost of love divine
when Jesus Christ was slain.
5. Dear Mary, from your lowliness
and home in Galilee,
there comes a joy and holiness
to ev'ry family.
6. Hail, Mary, you are full of grace,
above all women blest;
and blest your Son, whom your embrace
in birth and death confessed.
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167 Folliot Sandford Pierpoint (1835-1917)
1. For the beauty of the earth,
for the beauty of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies:
Lord of all, to thee we raise
this our sacrifice of praise.
2. For the beauty of each hour
of the day and of the night, h
ill and vale and tree and flow'r,
sun and moon and stars of light:
3. For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth, and friends above,
pleasures pure and undefiled:
4. For each perfect gift of thine,
to our race so freely giv'n,
graces human and divine,
flow'rs of earth and buds of heav'n:
5. For thy Church which evermore
lifteth holy hands above,
off'ring up on ev'ry shore
her pure sacrifice of love:
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168 Nick Fawcett (b. 1957) © 2004 Kevin Mayhew Ltd
1. For the days when you feel near,
for the times when all is clear;
when your presence seems so real,
that it colours all we feel
for the blessing of such days,
Lord, accept our grateful praise.
2. For the times when you feel far,
when we wonder where you are;
when we call and call again,
but our pray'rs appear in vain –
when it seems you just don't care,
Lord, assure us you're still there.
3. For the truth that day by day
you are present, come what may:
when we see you, when we don't,
when we trust you, when we won't.
For the peace such love imparts,
Lord, we come with grateful hearts.
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169 Fred Pratt Green (1903-2000) © 1970 Stainer & Bell Ltd
1. For the fruits of his creation,
thanks be to God;
for his gifts to ev'ry nation,
thanks be to God;
for the ploughing, sowing, reaping,
silent growth while we are sleeping,
future needs in earth's safekeeping,
thanks be to God.
2. In the just reward of labour,
God's will is done;
in the help we give our neighbour,
God's will is done;
in our world-wide task of caring
for the hungry and despairing,
in the harvests we are sharing,
God's will is done.
3. For the harvests of his Spirit,
thanks be to God;
for the good we all inherit,
thanks be to God;
for the wonders that astound us,
for the truths that still confound us,
most of all, that love has found us,
thanks be to God.
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170 Fred Kaan (b. 1929) © 1968 Stainer & Bell Ltd
1. For the healing of the nations,
Lord, we pray with one accord;
for a just and equal sharing
of the things that earth affords.
To a life of love in action
help us rise and pledge our word.
2. Lead us, Father, into freedom,
from despair your world release;
that, redeemed from war and hatred,
all may come and go in peace.
Show us how through care and goodness
fear will die and hope increase.
3. All that kills abundant living,
let it from the earth be banned;
pride of status, race or schooling
dogmas that obscure your plan.
In our common quest for justice
may we hallow life's brief span.
4. You, creator-God, have written
your great name on humankind;
for our growing in your likeness
bring the life of Christ to mind;
that by our response and service
earth its destiny may find.
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171 James Quinn (b. 1919) © 1969 Geoffrey Chapman, an imprint of Cassell Used by permission
1. Forth in the peace of Christ we go;
Christ to the world with joy we bring;
Christ in our minds, Christ on our lips,
Christ in our hearts, the world's true King.
2. King of our hearts, Christ makes us kings;
kingship with him his servants gain;
with Christ, the Servant-Lord of all,
Christ's world we serve to share Christ's reign.
3. Priests of the world, Christ sends us forth
this world of time to consecrate,
our world of sin by grace to heal,
Christ's world in Christ to re-create.
4. Prophets of Christ, we hear his Word:
he claims our minds to search his ways;
he claims our lips to speak his truth;
he claims our hearts to sing his praise.
5. We are his Church, he makes us one:
here is one hearth for all to find;
here is one flock, one Shepherd-King;
here is one faith, one heart, one mind.
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172 Charles Wesley (1707-1788) alt.
1. Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go,
my daily labour to pursue;
thee, only thee, resolved to know,
in all I think or speak or do.
2. The task thy wisdom hath assigned
O let me cheerfully fulfil;
in all my works thy presence find,
and prove thy good and perfect will.
3. Thee may I set at my right hand,
whose eyes my inmost substance see,
and labour on at thy command,
and offer all my works to thee.
4. Give me to bear thy easy yoke,
and ev'ry moment watch and pray,
and still to things eternal look,
and hasten to thy glorious day.
5. For thee delightfully employ
whate'er thy bounteous grace hath giv'n,
and run my course with even joy,
and closely walk with thee to heav'n.
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173 George Hunt Smyttan (1822-1870) adapted by Michael Forster (b. 1946) 0 1999 Kevin Mayhew Ltd
1. Forty days and forty nights
you were fasting in the wild;
forty days and forty nights,
tempted still, yet unbeguiled.
2. Sunbeams scorching all the day,
chilly dew-drops nightly shed,
prowling beasts about your way,
stones your pillow, earth your bed.
3. Let us your endurance share,
and from earthly greed abstain,
with you vigilant in prayer,
with you strong to suffer pain.
4. Then if evil on us press,
flesh or spirit to assail,
Victor in the wilderness,
help us not to swerve or fail.
5. So shall peace divine be ours;
holy gladness, pure and true:
come to us, angelic powers,
such as ministered to you.
6. Keep, O keep us, Saviour dear,
ever constant by your side,
that with you we may appear
at th'eternal Eastertide.
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174 Liturgy of St James trans. Charles William Humphreys (1840-1921)
1. From glory to glory advancing,
we praise thee, O Lord;
thy name with the Father and Spirit
be ever adored.
From strength unto strength we go forward
on Sion's highway,
to appear before God
in the city of infinite day.
2 Thanksgiving and glory and worship
and blessing and love,
one heart and one song have the saints
upon earth and above.
Evermore, O Lord, to thy servants
thy presence be nigh;
ever fit us by service on earth
for thy service on high.
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175 Graham Kendrick (b. 1950) ©1983 Thankyou Music
1. From heav'n you came, helpless babe,
entered our world, your glory veiled;
not to be served but to serve,
and give your life that we might live.
This is our God, the Servant King,
he calls us now to follow him,
to bring our lives as a daily offering
of worship to the Servant King.
2. There in the garden of tears,
my heavy load he chose to bear;
his heart with sorrow was torn.
`Yet not my will but yours,' he said.
3. Come see his hands and his feet,
the scars that speak of sacrifice,
hands that flung stars into space,
to cruel nails surrendered.
4. So let us learn how to serve,
and in our lives enthrone him;
each other's needs to prefer,
for it is Christ we're serving.
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176 Michael Forster (b. 1946), based on the Didaché © 1992 Kevin Mayhew Ltd
1. From many grains, once scattered far and wide,
each one alone, to grow as best it may,
now safely gathered in and unified,
one single loaf we offer here today.
So may your Church, in ev'ry time and place,
be in this meal united by your grace.
2. From many grapes, once living on the vine,
now crushed and broken under human feet,
we offer here this single cup of wine:
the sign of love, unbroken and complete.
So may we stand among the crucified,
and live the risen life of him who died.
3. From many places gathered, we are here,
each with a gift that we alone can bring.
O Spirit of the living God, draw near,
make whole by grace our broken offering.
O crush the pride that bids us stand alone;
let flow the love that makes our spirits one.
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177 John L. Bell (b. 1949) Graham Manic (b. 1958) © 1989,1996 WGRG, Iona Community
1. From the falter of breath,
through the silence of death,
to the wonder that's breaking beyond;
God has woven a way,
unapparent by day,
for all those of whom heaven is fond.
2. From frustration and pain,
through hope hard to sustain,
to the wholeness here promised, there known;
Christ has gone where we fear
and has vowed to be near
on the journey we make on our own.
3. From the dimming of light,
through the darkness of night,
to the glory of goodness above;
God the Spirit is sent
to ensure heav'n's intent
is embraced and completed in love.
4. From today till we die
through all questioning why,
to the place from which time and tide flow;
angels tread on our dreams
and magnificent themes
of heav'n's promise are echoed below.
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178 Paul S. Deming © 1976 Integrity's Hosanna! Music Sovereign Music UK
From the rising of the sun to the going
down of the same,
the Lord's name is to be praised. (x2)
Praise ye the Lord,
praise him all ye servants of the Lord,
praise the name of the Lord.
Blessed be the name of the Lord from
this time forth
and for evermore.
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179 Graham Kendrick (b. 1950) © 1988 Make Way Music
1. From the sun's rising unto the sun's setting;
Jesus our Lord shall be great in the earth;
and all earth's kingdoms shall be his dominion,
all of creation shall sing of his worth.
Let ev'ry heart, ev'ry voice,
ev’ry tongue join with spirits ablaze;
one in his love, we will circle the world
with the song of his praise.
O, let all his people rejoice,
and let all the earth hear his voice!
2. To ev'ry tongue, tribe and nation he sends us,
to make disciples, to teach and baptise.
For all authority to him is given;
now as his witnesses we shall arise.
3. Come, let us join with the Church from all nations,
cross ev'ry border, throw wide ev'ry door;
workers with him as he gathers his harvest,
till earth's far corners our Saviour adore.
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180 Michael Forster (b. 1946) © 1992 Kevin Mayhew Ltd.
1. From the very depths of darkness
springs a bright and living light;
out of falsehood and deceit
a greater truth is brought to sight;
in the halls of death, defiant,
life is dancing with delight!
The Lord is risen indeed!
Christ is risen! Hallelujah! (x3)
The Lord is risen indeed!
2. Jesus meets us at the dawning
of the resurrection day;
speaks our name with love, and gently
says that here we may not stay:
`Do not cling to me, but go to
all the fearful ones and say,
"The Lord is risen indeed!"'
3. So proclaim it in the high-rise,
in the hostel let it ring;
make it known in Cardboard City,
let the homeless rise and sing:
`He is Lord of life abundant,
and he changes everything;
the Lord is risen indeed!'
4. In the heartlands of oppression,
sound the cry of liberty;
where the poor are crucified,
behold the Lord of Calvary;
from the fear of death and dying,
Christ has set his people free;
the Lord is risen indeed!
5. To the tyrant, tell the gospel
of a love that can't be known
in a guarded palace-tomb,
condemned to live and die alone:
`Take the risk of love and freedom;
Christ has rolled away the stone!
The Lord is risen indeed!'
6. When our spirits are entombed
in mortal prejudice and pride;
when the gates of hell itself
are firmly bolted from inside;
at the bidding of his Spirit,
we may fling them open wide;
the Lord is risen indeed!
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181 Jean Holloway (b. 1939) @ 1994, 1999 Kevin Mayhew Ltd
Gather around, for the table is spread,
welcome the food and rest!
Wide is our circle, with Christ at the head,
he is the honoured guest.
Learn of his love, grow in his grace,
pray for the peace he gives;
here at this meal, here in this place,
know that his Spirit lives!
Once he was known in the breaking of bread,
shared with a chosen few;
multitudes gathered
and by him were fed,
so will he feed us too.
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182 Christine McCann (b. 1951) @ 1978 Kevin Mayhew Ltd.
1. Gifts of bread and wine, gifts we've offered,
fruits of labour, fruits of love, taken,
offered, sanctified, blessed and broken;
words of one who died;
`Take my body, take my saving blood.'
Gifts of bread and wine: Christ our Lord.
2. Christ our Saviour, living presence here,
as he promised while on earth:
`I am with you for all time,
I am with you in this bread and wine.'
3. To the Father, with the Spirit,
one in union with the Son,
for God's people, joined in prayer,
faith is strengthened by the food we share.
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183 Traditional
1. Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising,
give me joy in my heart, I pray.
Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising,
keep me praising till the end of day.
Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna!
Sing hosanna to the King of kings!
Sing hosanna! Sing hosanna!
Sing hosanna to the King!
2. Give me peace in my heart,
keep me resting .....
3. Give me love in my heart,
keep me serving .....
4. Give me light in my heart,
keep me shining .....
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184 Estelle White (b. 1925) @ 1976 Kevin Mayhew Ltd.
1. Give me peace, O Lord, I pray,
in my work and in my play;
and inside my heart and mind,
Lord, give me peace.
2. Give peace to the world, I pray,
let all quarrels cease today.
May we spread your light and love:
Lord, give us peace.
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185 Martin E. Leckebusch (b. 1962) © 2004 Kevin Mayhew Ltd.
1. Give thanks for those whose faith is firm
when all around seems bleak:
on God's good promise they rely,
so while they live and when they die
how forcefully they speak
the strong who once were weak!
2. Give thanks for those whose hope is clear,
beyond mere mortal sight:
who seek the city God has planned,
the true, eternal promised land,
and steer towards that light,
a beacon ever bright.
3. Give thanks for those whose love is pure,
a sparkling, precious stone:
they show by what they say and do
an inward beauty, warm and true,
for God's concerns they own
his love through them is known.
4. Give thanks for saints of ages past
and saints alive today:
though often by this world despised,
their hearts by God are richly prized –
give thanks that we may say
we share their pilgrim way.
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186 Henry Smith © 1978 lntegrity's Hosanna! Music Sovereign Music UK
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One,
give thanks because he's given
Jesus Christ, his Son.
And now let the weak say, 'I am strong',
let the poor say, I am rich',
because of what the Lord has done for us.
And now let the weak say, 'I am strong',
let the poor say, 'I am rich',
because of what the Lord has done for us.
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187 Isaac Watts (1674-1748), based on Psalm 136 alt.
1. Give to our God immortal praise;
mercy and truth are all his ways:
wonders of grace to God belong,
repeat his mercies in your song.
2. Give to the Lord of lords renown,
the King of kings with glory crown:
his mercies ever shall endure
when earthly pow'rs are known no more.
3. He sent his Son with pow'r to save
from guilt and darkness and the grave:
wonders of grace to God belong,
repeat his mercies in your song.
4. Through earthly life he guides our feet,
and leads us to his heav'nly seat:
his mercies ever shall endure
when earthly pow'rs are known no more.
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188 Isaac Watts (1674-1748) alt.
1. Give us the wings of faith to rise
within the veil, and see
the saints above, how great their joys,
how bright their glories be.
2. Once they were mourning here below,
their couch was wet with tears;
they wrestled hard, as we do now,
with sins and doubts and fears.
3. We ask them whence their vict'ry came:
they, with united breath,
ascribe the conquest to the Lamb,
their triumph to his death.
4. They marked the footsteps that he trod,
his zeal inspired their breast,
and, foll'wing their incarnate God,
they reached the promised rest.
5. Our glorious Leader claims our praise
for his own pattern giv'n;
while the great cloud of witnesses
show the same path to heav'n.
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189 John Newton (1725-1807) based on Isaiah 33:20-21 alt.
1. Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Zion, city of our God;
he whose word cannot be broken
formed thee for his own abode.
On the Rock of Ages founded,
what can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation's walls surrounded,
thou may'st smile at all thy foes.
2. See, the streams of living waters,
springing from eternal love,
well supply thy sons and daughters,
and all fear of want remove.
Who can faint while such a river
ever flows and thirsts assuage?
Grace which, like the Lord, the giver,
never fails from age to age.
3. Round each habitation hov'ring,
see the cloud and fire appear
for a glory and a cov'ring,
showing that the Lord is near.
Thus they march, the pillar leading,
light by night and shade by day;
daily on the manna feeding
which he gives them when they pray.
4. Saviour, if of Zion's city
I through grace a member am,
let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in thy name.
Fading is the worldling's pleasure,
boasted pomp and empty show;
solid joys and lasting treasure
none but Zion's children know.
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190 Viva, viva Gesù 18th Century trans. Edward Caswall (1814-1878) alt.
1. Glory be to Jesus
who, in bitter pains,
poured for me the lifeblood
from his sacred veins.
2. Grace and life eternal
in that blood I find:
blest be his compassion,
infinitely kind.
3. Blest, through endless ages,
be the precious stream
which, from endless torment,
did the world redeem.
4. There the fainting spirit
drinks of life her fill;
there, as in a fountain,
laves herself at will.
5. Abel's blood for vengeance
pleaded to the skies,
but the blood of Jesus
for our pardon cries.
6. Oft as it is sprinkled
on our guilty hearts
Satan in confusion
terror-struck departs.
7. Oft as earth exulting
wafts its praise on high
angel hosts rejoicing,
make their glad reply.
8. Lift, then, all your voices,
swell the mighty flood;
louder still and louder,
praise the precious blood.
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191 Psalm 148 paraphrased by John L. Bell © 1993 WGRG, Iona Community
1. Glory to God above!
Heavens declare his love;
praise him, you angels,
praise him all you high and heav'nly host.
Worship him, sun and moon;
stars complement their tune;
grounded in God's good purpose,
let his grace become your boast.
O sing hallelujah
and praise God for evermore.
2. Glory to God below
let depths of ocean show;
lightning and hail, snow,
wind and cloud perform at his command
Let ev'ry mountain range,
forest and grove and grange,
creatures of earth and air and sea
praise God in evry land.
3. 'Glory to God!' now sing
commoner, queen and king;
women and men of
ev'ry age unite to praise the Lord.
Worship God's holy name
and let your lives proclaim
God's saving pow'r extends to those
who love and serve his word.
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192 Thomas Ken (1637-17 10)
1. Glory to thee, my God, this night
for all the blessings of the light;
keep me, 0 keep me, King of kings,
beneath thine own almighty wings.
2. Forgive me, Lord, for thy dear Son,
the ill that I this day have done,
that with the world, myself and thee,
I, ere I sleep, at peace may be.
3. Teach me to live, that I may dread
the grave as little as my bed; t
each me to die, that so I may
rise glorious at the aweful day.
4. O may my soul on thee repose,
and with sweet sleep mine eyelids close;
sleep that may me more vig'rous make
to serve my God when I awake.
5. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heav'nly host;
praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
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193 Michael Forster (b. 1946) @ 2004 Kevin Mayhew Ltd
1. Go back, go back to Galilee,
go with the one who died,
and witness there to risen life
among the crucified.
Where human folk are living still
in fear of worldly pow'r,
their Christ, with wounds still open,
stands and shares their finest hour.
2. Go back, go back to Galilee,
Christ meets us on the way,
and calls us all to follow truth
where evil still holds sway.
There in the face of hate and fear,
the Spirit gives us breath;
his song is life and liberty
which puts an end to death.
3. 'Go back, go back to Galilee,'
the centuries repeat,
`where evil, faced with deathless hope,
still struggles in defeat.'
So when we find the empty tomb
a safer place to be,
the angel prompts us yet again,
`Go back to Galilee.'
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194 Book of Hours (1514)
God be in my head,
and in my understanding;
God be in mine eyes,
and in my looking;
God be in my mouth,
and in my speaking;
God be in my heart,
and in my thinking;
God be at mine end,
and at my departing.
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195 Donald Hughes (1911-1967) Based on J. E. Rankin (1828-1904) © Paul Hughes
1. God be with you till we meet again;
may he through the days direct you;
may he in life's storms protect you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet! Till we meet!
Till we meet at Jesus' feet;
till we meet! Till we meet!
God be with you till we meet again!
2. God be with you till we meet again;
and when doubts and fears oppress you,
may his holy peace possess you;
God be with you till we meet again.
3. God be with you till we meet again;
in distress his grace sustain you;
in success from pride restrain you;
God be with you till we meet again.
4. God be with you till we meet again;
may he go through life beside you,
and through death in safety guide you;
God be with you till we meet again.
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196 Carol Owens © 1972 Bud John Songs / EMI Christian Music Publishing Administered by CopyCare
1. God forgave my sin in Jesus' name.
I've been born again in Jesus' name.
And in Jesus' name I come to you
to share his love as he told me to.
He said: 'Freely freely you have received,
freely, freely give.
Go in my name, and because you believe,
others will know that I live.'
2. All pow'r is giv'n in Jesus' name,
in earth and heav'n in Jesus' name.
And in Jesus' name I come to you
to share his pow'r as he told me to.
3. God gives us life in Jesus' name,
he lives in us in Jesus' name.
And in Jesus' name I come to you
to share his peace as he told me to.
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197 George Wallace Briggs (1875-1959) alt. © 1953, renewed 1981 Hymn Society / Hope Publishing Co. Administered by CopyCare
1. God has spoken - by the prophets,
spoken the unchanging Word,
each from age to age proclaiming
God, the one, the righteous Lord.
'Mid the world's despair and turmoil
one firm anchor holding fast:
God eternal reigns forever,
God the first, and God the last.
2. God has spoken - by Christ Jesus,
Christ, the everlasting Son,
brightness of the Father's glory,
with the Father ever one;
spoken by the Word incarnate,
God of God, ere time was born,
light of light, to earth descending,
Christ, as God in human form.
3. God is speaking – by the Spirit,
speaking to our hearts again,
in the age-long word declaring
God's own message, now as then.
Through the rise and fall of nations
one sure faith yet standing fast;
God abides, the Word unchanging,
God the first, and God the last.
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198 John L. Bell (b. 1949) and Graham Maul, (b. 1958) © 1989 WGRG, Iona Community
1. God, in the planning and purpose of life,
hallowed the union of husband and wife:
this we embody where love is displayed,
rings are presented and promises made.
2. Jesus was found, at a similar feast,
taking the roles of both waiter and priest,
turning the worldly towards the divine,
tears into laughter and water to wine.
3. Therefore we pray that his Spirit preside
over the wedding of bridegroom and bride,
fulfilling all that they've hoped will come true,
lighting with love all they dream of and do.
4. Praise then the Maker, the Spirit, the Son
source of the love through which two are made one.
God's is the glory, the goodness and grace
seen in this marriage and known in this place.
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199 Alan J. Price© Daybreak Music Ltd
God is good, God is great,
he's the one who did create
ev'rything that there is by his power.
God is good, God is great,
he's the one who did create
ev’rything that there is by his power.
1. Thank you, Lord, for the things I can see,
thank you, thank you, Lord.
Thank you, Lord, for the sounds I can hear,
thank you, thank you, Lord.
2. Thank you, Lord, for my family,
thank you, thank you, Lord.
Thank you, Lord, for all my friends,
thank you, thank you, Lord.
3. Thank you, Lord, for the birds in the sky,
thank you, thank you, Lord.
Thank you, Lord, for the ants on the ground,
thank you, thank you, Lord.
4. Thank you, Lord, for your love to me,
thank you, thank you, Lord.
Thank you, Lord, that you're always near,
thank you, thank you, Lord.
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200 Fred Pratt Green (1903-2000) © 1979 Stainer & Bell Ltd.
1. God is here! As we his people
meet to offer praise and prayer,
may we find in fuller measure
what it is in Christ we share.
Here, as in the world around us,
all our varied skills and arts
wait the coming of his Spirit
into open minds and hearts.
2. Here are symbols to remind us
of our lifelong need of grace;
here are table, font and pulpit;
here the cross has central place.
Here in honesty of preaching,
here in silence, as in speech,
here in newness and renewal,
God the Spirit comes to each.
3. Here our children find a welcome
in the Shepherd's flock and fold;
here as bread and wine are taken,
Christ sustains us, as of old;
here the servants of the Servant
seek in worship to explore
what it means in daily living
to believe and to adore.
4. Lord of all, of Church and Kingdom,
in an age of change and doubt,
keep us faithful to the gospel,
help us work your purpose out.
here, in this day's dedication,
all we have to give, receive:
we, who cannot live without you,
we adore you! We believe!
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201 Percy Dearmer (1867-1936) aft. © Oxford University Press
1. God is love: his the care,
tending each, ev'rywhere.
God is love, all is there!
Jesus came to show him,
that we all might know him!
Sing aloud, loud, loud!
Sing aloud, Ioud, loud!
God is good! God is truth!
God is beauty! Praise him!
2. None can see God above;
we can share life and love;
thus may we Godward move,
seek him in creation,
holding ev'ry nation.
3. Jesus lived on the earth,
hope and life brought to birth
and affirmed human worth,
for he came to save us
by the truth he gave us.
4. To our Lord praise we sing,
light and life, friend and King,
coming down, love to bring,
pattern for our duty,
showing God in beauty.
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202 Timothy Rees (1874-1939) alt. © Geoffrey Chapman, an imprint of Cassell pIc. Used by permission
1. God is love: let heav'n adore him;
God is love: let earth rejoice;
let creation sing before him,
and exalt him with one voice.
He who laid the earth's foundation,
he who spread the heav'ns above,
he who breathes through all creation,
he is love, eternal Love.
2. God is love: and he enfoldeth
all the world in one embrace;
with unfailing grasp he holdeth
ev'ry child of ev'ry race.
And when human hearts are breaking
under sorrow's iron rod,
then they find that self-same aching
deep within the heart of God.
3. God is love: and though with blindness
sin afflicts the human soul,
God's eternal loving-kindness
guides and heals and makes us whole.
Sin and death and hell shall never
o'er us final triumph gain;
God is love, so love for ever
o'er the universe must reign.
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203 Michael Forster (b. 1946) © 1996 Kevin Mayhew Ltd.
1. God is our strength from days of old,
the hope of ev'ry nation;
whose pow'r conceived the universe
and set the earths foundation. Though hidden from our sight
in uncreated light,
his presence yet is known,
his wondrous purpose shown, resplendent in creation!
2. That Word of Life, before all things
in primal darkness spoken,
became for us the Word made flesh
for our redemption broken.
His glory set aside,
for us he lived and died,
obedient to the death,
renewed in life and breath,
to endless glory woken!
3. That Breath of God, who brooded first
upon the new creation,
who lit with light the Virgin's womb
to bear the world's salvation;
that Dove whose shadow graced
th'anointed Saviour's face,
now challenges us all
to recognise the call
to hope and liberation.
4. O great Creator, Spirit, Word,
the well-spring of creation,
our Alpha and our Omega,
our hope and our salvation;
to Father, Spirit, Son,
the Three for ever One,
and One for ever Three,
mysterious Trinity,
be praise and adoration.
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204 Nick Fawcett (b. 1957) © 2004 Kevin Mayhew Ltd
1. God is the giver of love,
holding us all in his arms,
filling our hearts and feeding our souls,
grace flowing down from above.
2. God is the giver of light,
shining on me and on you,
yearning to help and craving to guide,
bringing an end to the night.
3. God is the giver of joy,
aching to fill us with cheer,
he makes us glad and brings us delight,
bliss that no ill can destroy.
4. God is the giver of peace,
striving to make his world whole,
hungry to heal and thirsty to mend,
working that hatred might cease.
5. God is the giver of all,
eager to bless us each day,
hands open wide, he longs to impart
gifts to enrich and enthral.
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205 Arthur Campbell el Fort (1841-1919) adapted by Michael Forster (b. 1946) © This version 1996 Kevin Mayhew Ltd
1. God is working his purpose out
as year succeeds to year.
God is working his purpose out,
and the time is drawing near.
Nearer and nearer draws the time,
the time that shall surely be,
when the earth shall be filled
with the glory of God
as the waters cover the sea.
*2. From the east to the utmost west
wherever foot has trod,
through the mouths of his messengers
echoes forth the voice of God:
`Listen to me, ye continents,
ye islands, give ear to me,
that the earth shall be filled
with the glory of God
as the waters cover the sea.'
3. How can we do the work of God,
how prosper and increase
harmony in the human race,
and the reign of perfect peace?
What can we do to urge the time,
the time that shall surely be,
when the earth shall be filled
with the glory of God
as the waters cover the sea?
*4. March we forth in the strength of God
his banner is unfurled;
let the light of the gospel shine
in the darkness of the world:
strengthen the weary, heal the sick
and set ev'ry captive free,
that the earth shall be filled
with the glory of God
as the waters cover the sea.
5. All our efforts are nothing worth
unless God bless the deed;
vain our hopes for the harvest tide
till he brings to life the seed.
Yet ever nearer draws the time,
the time that shall surely be,
when the earth shall be filled
with the glory of God
as the waters cover the sea.
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206 William Cowper (1731-1800)
1. God moves in a mysterious way
his wonders to perform;
he plants his footsteps in the sea,
and rides upon the storm.
2. Deep in unfathomable mines
of never-failing skill,
he treasures up his bright designs,
and works his sov'reign will.
3. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
the clouds ye so much dread
are big with mercy, and shall break
in blessings on your head.
4. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
but trust him for his grace;
behind a frowning providence
he hides a shining face.
5. His purposes will ripen fast,
unfolding ev'ry hour;
the bud may have a bitter taste,
but sweet will be the flow'r.
6. Blind unbelief is sure to err,
and scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
and he will make it plain.
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207 © Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878-1969) alt. The Estate of the late H. E. Fosdick Used by permission of Dr Elinor Fosdick Downs
1. God of grace and God of glory,
on thy people pour thy pow'r;
now fulfil thy Church's story,
bring her bud to glorious flow'r.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the facing of this hour.
2. Lo, the hosts of evil round us
scorn thy Christ, assail his ways;
from the fears that long have bound us
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the living of these days.
3. Cure thy children's warring madness,
bend our pride to thy control;
shame our wanton selfish gladness,
rich in goods and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
lest we miss thy kingdom's goal.
4. Set our feet on lofty places,
gird our lives that they may be
armoured with all Christlike graces
as we set your people free.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
lest we fail the world or thee.
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208 Nick Fawcett (b. 1957) © 1997 Kevin Mayhew Ltd
1. God of life, God of love,
all around we glimpse your greatness,
here on earth and far above.
We would worship all our days
even though no words can ever
give to you sufficient praise.
2. God of life, God of truth,
we rejoice that you are with us,
never distant or aloof
Like a father, you are there,
reaching out your arms to hold us,
speaking words that show you care.
3. God of life, God of grace,
you have walked this earth before us,
giving truth a human face.
Knowing sorrow, knowing pain,
you were beaten, bruised and broken,
but in triumph rose again.
4. God of life, God of love –
felt as wind and tongues of fire
yet as gentle as a dove –
ev'ry moment, ev'ry hour,
you are working deep within us
through your sov'reign selfless pow'r.
5. God of life, God on high,
we can barely grasp your goodness,
language fails us when we try.
As a father, through your Son,
by the Spirit you are with us,
somehow three, yet also one.
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209 Jean Holloway (b. 1939) © 1999 Kevin Mayhew Ltd
1. God of love, you freely give us
blessings more than we deserve;
be our light in times of darkness,
be our strength when fears unnerve.
In this age when proof convinces,
help us see where wisdom lies;
more enduring than persuasion
is your truth which never dies.
2. Son incarnate, yours the presence
which can heal an aching heart;
over death you reign triumphant,
you alone new life impart.
From your birth so long awaited,
to the cross on Calvary,
you will serve as our example,
let us, Lord, your servants be.
3. Holy Spirit, inspiration
day by day, yet mystery;
with the Son and the Creator
you form mystic unity.
Draw us into your communion,
with the love that sets us free;
bind our hearts to you for ever,
holy, blessed Trinity.
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210 Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847) based on Psalm 67, alt.
1. God of mercy, God of grace,
show the brightness of thy face;
shine upon us, Saviour, shine,
fill thy Church with light divine;
and thy saving health extend
unto earth's remotest end.
2. Let the people praise thee, Lord;
be by all live adored;
let the nations shout and sing
glory to their Saviour King;
at thy feet their tribute pay,
and thy holy will obey.
3. Let the people praise thee, Lord;
earth shall then her fruits afford;
God to us his blessing give,
we to God devoted live;
all below, and all above,
one in joy and light and love.
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211 Michael Forster (b. 1946) © 1993 Kevin Mayhew Ltd.
1. God of the Passover,
Author and Lord of salvation,
gladly we gather to bring
you our heart's adoration;
ransomed and free,
called and commissioned to be
signs of your love for creation.
2. Here we remember that evening
of wonder enthralling,
myst'ry of passion divine,
and betrayal appalling.
Breaking the bread,
`This is my body,' he said,
`do this, my passion recalling.'
3. God of the Eucharist,
humbly we gather before you
and, at your table,
for pardon and grace we implore you.
Under the cross,
counting as profit our loss,
safe in its shade, we adore you.
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212 Stephen Eric Smyth @ Copyright control
1. God, our Creator, hear us sing in praise.
God, always tender, God who knows our ways.
God, always present, God who really cares.
We offer thanks for all the love you share.
We sing in praise for the great gifts you give:
all of creation, ev'rything that lives,
glories of nature, our own time on earth,
sending your Son among us proves our worth.
Loud is our praise as we sing of you,
one with people of faith, ancient and new.
Bless us afresh with your grace, we pray.
Help us witness your love today.
2. Thanks for the blessings of the talents, skills,
fam'lies and friendships by which lives are filled.
Thanks for the graces, gifts you spread so wide:
those that the world sees and those deep inside.
Even in hard times we can praise your name.
You're always with us, loving just the same.
Sickness or sorrow, loneliness or doubt,
help us remember your hand reaches out.
3. Gathered together, sister, brothers all,
baptised in Jesus, faithful to your call.
We are one fam'ly, may your will be done
and, for all people, may your Kingdom come.
`God who is love', you are our Father true;
Jesus, our brother, fully human too;
Spirit, your presence, with us ev'ry day;
love is your essence, love our truest way.
4. God, our Creator, hear us sing in praise.
God, always tender, God who knows our ways.
God, always present, God who really cares.
We offer thanks for all the love you share.
We sing in praise for the great gifts you give:
all of creation, ev'rything that lives,
glories of nature, our own time on earth,
sending your Son among us proves our worth.
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213 Traditional, alt.
1. God rest you merry, gentlefolk,
let nothing you dismay,
for Jesus Christ our Saviour
was born on Christmas Day,
to save us all from Satan's pow'r
when we were gone astray:
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.
2. In Bethlehem, in Jewry,
this blessed babe was born,
and laid within a manger,
upon this blessed morn;
at which his mother Mary
did nothing take in scorn:
3. From God, our heav'nly Father,
a blessed angel came,
and unto certain shepherds
brought tidings of the same,
how that in Bethlehem was born
the Son of God by name:
4. 'Fear not,' then said the angel,
`let nothing you affright,
this day is born a Saviour,
of virtue, pow'r and might;
by him the world is overcome
and Satan put to flight.'
5. The shepherds at those tidings
rejoiced much in mind,
and left their flocks a-feeding,
in tempest, storm and wind,
and went to Bethlehem straightway
this blessed babe to find:
6. But when to Bethlehem they came,
whereat this infant lay,
they found him in a manger,
where oxen feed on hay;
his mother Mary kneeling,
unto the Lord did pray:
7. Now to the Lord sing praises,
all you within this place,
and with true love and fellowship
each other now embrace;
this holy tide of Christmas
all others doth deface:
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214 vs. 1 & 2 unknown (17th century) v.3 William E. Hickson (1803-1870) alt.
1. God save our gracious Queen,
long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen.
Send her victorious,
happy and glorious,
long to reign over us:
God save the Queen.
2. Thy choicest gifts in store
on her be pleased to pour,
long may she reign:
may she defend our laws,
and ever give us cause
to sing with heart and voice
God save the Queen!
3. Not on this land alone,
but be God's mercies known
on ev'ry shore.
Lord, make the nations see
that all humanity
should form one family
the wide world o'er.
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215 William J. Gaither (b. 1936) and Gloria Gaither (b. 1942) ©1971 Gaither Music Co./Kingsway Music
1. God sent his Son, they called him Jesus;
he came to love, heal and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon;
an empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives.
Because he lives I can face tomorrow;
because he lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know he holds my future,
and life is worth the living just because he lives.
2. How sweet to hold a new-born baby, a
nd feel the pride and joy he gives;
but greater still the calm assurance:
this child can face uncertain days because he lives.
3. And then one day I'll cross the river;
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then, as death gives way to vict'ry,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know he reigns.
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216 Ian D. Craig © Daybreak Music Ltd
1. God's love is deeper than the deepest ocean,
God's love is wider than the widest sea,
God's love is higher than the highest mountain,
deeper, wider, higher is God's love to me.
2. God's grace is deeper than the deepest ocean,
God's grace is wider than the widest sea,
God's grace is higher than the highest mountain,
deeper, wider, higher is God's grace to me.
3. God's joy is deeper than the deepest ocean,
God's joy is wider than the widest sea,
God's joy is higher than the highest mountain,
deeper, wider, higher is God's joy to me.
4. God's peace is deeper than the deepest ocean,
God's peace is wider than the widest sea,
God's peace is higher than the highest mountain,
deeper, wider, higher is God's peace to me.
Deeper, wider, higher,
deeper, wider, higher,
deeper, wider, higher is God to me.
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217 Unknown, alt. Greg Leavers and P. J. Horrobin © 1986 Greg Leavers and P. I Horrobin.
God's not dead, (no), he is alive.
God's not dead, (no), he is alive.
God's not dead, (no), he is alive.
Serve him with my hands,
follow with my feet,
love him in my heart,
know him in my life;
for he's alive in me.
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218 Alan Dale and Hubert J. Richards (b. 1921) © 1982 Kevin Mayhew Ltd.
1. God's Spirit is in my heart.
He has called me and set me apart.
This is what I have to do,
what I have to do.
He sent me to give
the Good News to the poor,
tell pris'ners that they are pris'ners no more,
tell blind people that they can see,
and set the downtrodden free,
and go tell ev'ryone the news
that the kingdom of God has come,
and go tell ev'ryone the news
that God's kingdom has come.
2. Just as the Father sent me,
so I'm sending you out to be
my witnesses throughout the world,
the whole of the world.
Don't carry a load in your pack,
you don’t need two shirts on your back.
A workman can earn his own keep,
can earn his own keep.
He sent me to give
the Good News to the poor,
tell pris'ners that they are pris'ners no more,
tell blind people that they can see,
and set the downtrodden flee,
and go tell ev'ryone the news
that the kingdom of God has come,
and go tell ev'ryone the news
that God's kingdom has come.
3. Don't worry what you have to say,
don't worry because on that day
God's Spirit will speak in your heart,
will speak in your heart.
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219 v 1 Reginald Heber (1783-1826) v 2 Richard Whately (1787-1863)
1. God that madest earth and heaven,
darkness and light;
who the day for toil hast given,
for rest the night;
may thine angel-guards defend us,
slumber sweet thy mercy send us,
holy dreams and hopes attend us,
this live-long night.
2. Guard us waking, guard us sleeping,
and, when we die,
may we in thy mighty keeping
all peaceful lie:
when the last dread call shall wake us,
do not thou our God forsake us,
but to reign in glory take us
with thee on high.
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220 John L. Bell © 1979 WGRG, Iona Community
God to enfold you,
Christ to uphold you,
Spirit to keep you in heaven's sight;
so may God grace you,
heal and embrace you,
lead you through darkness
into the light.
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221 John Arlott (1914-1991) alt. © The Estate of the late L. T. Arlott
1. God, whose farm is all creation,
take the gratitude we give;
take the finest of our harvest,
crops we grow that all may live.
2. Take our ploughing, seeding, reaping,
hopes and fears of sun and rain,
all our thinking, planning, waiting,
ripened in this fruit and grain.
3. All our labour, all our watching,
all our calendar of care,
in these crops of your creation,
take, O God: they are our prayer.
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222 Fred Kaan (b. 1929) © 1968, 1996 Stainer & Bell Ltd.
1. God, whose love is all around us,
who in Jesus sought and found us,
who to freedom new unbound us,
keep our hearts with joy aflame.
2. For the sacramental breaking,
for the honour of partaking,
for your life our lives remaking,
young and old, we praise your name.
3. From the service of this table
lead us to a life more stable,
for our witness make us able;
blessings on our work we claim.
4. Through our calling closely knitted,
daily to your praise committed,
for a life of service fitted,
let us now your love proclaim.
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223 James Edward Seddon (1915-1983) © The representatives of the late James Edward Seddon / Jubilate Hymns. Used by permission
1. Go forth and tell!
Church of God, awake!
God's saving news
to all the nations take:
proclaim Christ Jesus,
Saviour, Lord and King,
that all the world
his worthy praise may sing.
2. Go forth and tell!
God's love embraces all;
he will in grace
respond to all who call;
how shall they call
if they have never heard
the gracious invitation
of his word?
3. Go forth and tell!
where still the darkness lies;
in wealth or want,
the sinner surely dies:
give us, O Lord,
concern of heart and mind,
a love like yours
which cares for all mankind.
4. Go forth and tell!
the doors are open wide:
share God's good gifts
let no one be denied;
live out your life
as Christ your Lord shall choose,
your ransomed pow'rs
for his sole glory use.
5. Go forth and tell!
Church of God, arise!
Go in the strength
which Christ your Lord supplies;
go till all nations
his great name adore
and serve him, Lord and King,
for evermore.
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224 Susan Sayers (b. 1946) © 2004 Kevin Mayhew Ltd
Go forward, people of God today,
be a people of God who pray the moments one by one,
till God's kingdom comes.
1. Take courage people of God, be bold,
jars of clay that inside will hold
the shining love of Jesus bright as gold.
Refrain
2. Keep faithful people of God and be
healing salt in community
though your compassion and humility.
Refrain
3. In friendship people of God unite
let the flame of your love stay bright
till darkness melts in heaven's glorious light.
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225 Michael Forster (b. 1946) © 1999 Kevin Mayhew Ltd
1. Going home, moving on,
through God's open door;
hush, my soul, have no fear,
Christ has gone before.
Parting hurts, love protests,
pain is not denied;
yet, in Christ, life and hope
span the great divide.
Going home, moving on,
through God's open door;
hush, my soul, have no fear,
Christ has gone before,
Christ has gone before.
2. No more guilt, no more fear,
all the past is healed:
broken dreams now restored,
perfect grace revealed.
Christ has died, Christ is ris'n,
Christ will come again:
death destroyed, life restored,
love alone shall reign.
Going home, moving on,
through God's open door;
hush, my soul, have no fear,
Christ has gone before,
Christ has gone before.
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226 Michael Forster (b. 1946) © 1993 Kevin Mayhew Ltd.
1. Goliath was big and Goliath was strong,
his sword was sharp and his spear was long;
he bragged and boasted but he was wrong:
biggest isn't always best!
Biggest isn't always best!
Biggest isn't always best!
God told David, Don't be afraid,
biggest isn't always bests'
2. A shepherd boy had a stone and sling;
he won the battle and pleased the King!
Then all the people began to sing:
`Biggest isn't always best!'
3. So creatures made in a smaller size,
like tiny sparrows and butterflies,
are greater than we may realise:
biggest isn't always best!
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227 John Mason Neale (1818-1866) alt.
1. Good Christians all, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice!
Give ye heed to what we say:
News! News! Jesus Christ is born today;
ox and ass before him bow,
and he is in the manger now:
Christ is born today, Christ is born today!
2. Good Christians all, rejoice with
heart and soul and voice!
Now ye hear of endless bliss:
Joy! Joy! Jesus Christ was born for this.
He hath opened heaven's door,
and we are blest for evermore:
Christ was born for this,
Christ was born for this.
3. Good Christians all, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice!
Now ye need not fear the grave:
Peace! Peace! Jesus Christ was born to save;
calls you one, and calls you all,
to gain his everlasting hall:
Christ was born to save,
Christ was born to save.
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228 Cyril Argentine Alington (1872-1955) alt. © Hymns Ancient &Modem
1. Good Christians all, rejoice and sing.
Now is the triumph of our King.
To all the world glad news we bring:
Alleluia!
2. The Lord of Life is ris'n for ay:
bring flow'rs of song to strew his way;
let humankind rejoice and say:
Alleluia!
3. Praise we in songs of victory
that Love, that Life, which cannot die
and sing with hearts uplifted high:
Alleluia!
4. Thy name we bless, O risen Lord,
and sing today with one accord
the life laid down, the life restored:
Alleluia!
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229 John Mason Neale (1818-1866) alt.
1. Good King Wenceslas looked out
on the feast of Stephen,
when the snow lay round about,
deep, and crisp, and even;
brightly shone the moon that night,
though the frost was cruel,
when a poor man came in sight,
gath'ring winter fuel.
2. 'Hither, page, and stand by me,
if thou know'st it, telling,
yonder peasant, who is he,
where and what his dwelling?'
`Sire, he lives a good league hence,
underneath the mountain,
right against the forest fence,
by Saint Agnes' fountain.'
3. 'Bring me flesh, and bring me wine,
bring me pine logs hither:
thou and I will see him dine,
when we bring him thither.'
Page and monarch, forth they went,
forth they went together;
through the rude wind's wild lament,
and the bitter weather.
4. 'Sire, the night is darker now,
and the wind blows stronger;
fails my heart, I know not how;
I can go no longer.'
`Mark my footsteps good, my page;
tread thou in them boldly:
thou shalt find the winter's rage
freeze thy blood less coldly.'
5. In his master's steps he trod,
where the snow lay dinted;
heat was in the very sod
which the Saint had printed.
Therefore, Christians all, be sure,
wealth or rank possessing,
ye who now will bless the poor,
shall yourselves find blessing.
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230 Paul Field (b. 1954) © Meadowgreen Music/EMI Christian Music Publishing. Administered by CopyCare
1. Go peaceful, in gentleness,
through the violence of these days.
Give freely, show tenderness
in all your ways.
2. Through darkness, in troubled times,
let holiness be your aim.
Seek wisdom, let faithfulness
burn like a flame.
God speed you, God lead you,
and keep you wrapped around his heart:
may you be known by love.
3. Be righteous, speak truthfully,
in a world of greed and lies.
Show kindness, see ev'ryone
through heaven's eyes.
God hold you, enfold you,
and keep you wrapped around his heart:
may you he known by love.
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231 Traditional
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and evrywhere.
Go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is horn.
1. While shepherds kept their watching
o'er wand'ring flocks by night,
behold, from out of heaven,
there shone a holy light.
2. And lo, when they had seen it,
they all bowed down and prayed;
they travelled on together
to where the babe was laid.
3. When I was a seeker,
I sought both night and day:
I asked my Lord to help me
and he showed me the way.
4. He made me a watchman
upon the city wall,
and, if I am a Christian,
I am the least of all.
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232 Susan Sayers (b. 1946) © 1986 Kevin Mayhew Ltd.
1. Go wand'ring in the sun,
let it warm you through.
That's how warm and comforting
God's love can be for you.
2. Just watch a feather fall,
lay it on your cheek.
Jesus is as gentle
with the frightened and the weak.
3. Enjoy the drops of rain,
sparkling as they fall.
Jesus is as gen'rous
with his blessings to us all.
4. Well, can you hold the sea,
make a living flow'r?
Neither can we understand
the greatness of his pow'r.
5. Yet run against the wind -
very soon you'll see -
just as strong and real
is Jesus' love for you and me.
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233 Christopher Wordsworth (1807-1885)
1. Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost,
taught by thee, we covet most
of thy gifts at Pentecost,
holy, heav'nly love.
2. Love is kind, and suffers long,
love is meek, and thinks no wrong,
love than death itself more strong;
therefore give us love.
3. Prophecy will fade away,
melting in the light of day;
love will ever with us stay;
therefore give us love.
4. Faith will vanish into sight;
hope be emptied in delight;
love in heav'n will shine more bright;
therefore give us love.
5. Faith and hope and love we see
joining hand in hand agree;
but the greatest of the three,
and the best, is love.
6. From the overshadowing
of thy gold and silver wing
shed on us, who to thee sing,
holy, heav'nly love.
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234 Jean Holloway (b. 1939) © 1998 Kevin Mayhew Ltd.
1. Grant us the courage, gracious God,
to change the things we can,
pursuing justice, spreading hope
that Jesus Christ began.
2. Give us serenity to bear
the things we cannot change;
acceptance of the things we find
mysterious or strange.
3. We ask for wisdom to discern
the changes we can make;
and pray for your sustaining love
through risks we choose to take.
4. Encourage all who love your church
to try the bold and new;
foresaking safe, familiar ways
for greater trust in you.
5. Your Holy Spirit leads the way
to change we dream not of
through fear of the unknown,
and on to costly deeds of love.
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235 Brian Wren (b. 1936) © 1975, 1995 Stainer & Bell Ltd
1. Great God, your love has called us here
as we, by love, for love were made.
Your living likeness still we bear,
though marred, dishonoured, disobeyed.
We come, with all our heart and mind
your call to hear, your love to find.
2. We come with self-inflicted pains
of broken trust and chosen wrong,
half-free, half-bound by inner chains,
by social forces swept along,
by pow'rs and systems close confined
yet seeking hope for humankind.
3. Great God, in Christ you call our name
and then receive us as your own,
not through some merit, right or claim
but by your gracious love alone.
We strain to glimpse your mercy-seat
and find you kneeling at our feet.
4. Then take the tow'l, and break the bread,
and humble us, and call us friends.
Suffer and serve till all are fed,
and show how grandly love intends
to work till all creation sings,
to fill all worlds, to crown all things.
5. Great God, in Christ you set us free
your life to live, your joy to share.
Give us your Spirit's liberty
to turn from guilt and dull despair
and offer all that faith can do
while love is making all things new.
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236 Noel Richards and Gerald Coates © 1992 Thankyou Music
1. Great is the darkness that covers the earth,
oppression, injustice and pain.
Nations are slipping in hopeless despair,
though many have come in your name.
Watching while sanity dies,
touched by the madness and lies.
Come, Lord Jesus, come, Lord Jesus,
pour out your Spirit, we pray.
Come, Lord Jesus, come, Lord Jesus,
pour out your Spirit on us today.
2. May now your church rise with power and love,
this glorious gospel proclaim.
In ev'ry nation salvation will come
to those who believe in your name.
Help us bring light to this world
that we might speed your return.
3. Great celebrations on that final day
when out of the heavens you come.
Darkness will vanish, all sorrow will end
and rulers will bow at your throne.
Our great commission complete,
then face to face we shall meet.
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237 Steve McEwan © 1985 Body Songs. Administered by CopyCare
1. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise,
the city of our God, the holy place,
the joy of the whole earth.
Great is the Lord, in whom we have the victory.
He aids us against the enemy,
we bow down on our knees.
2. And, Lord, we want to lift your name on high,
and, Lord, we want to thank you
for the works you've done in our lives;
and, Lord, we trust in your unfailing love,
for you alone are God eternal,
throughout earth and heaven above.
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238 Thomas Obadiah Chisholm (1866-1960) © 1923, renewed 1951 Hope Publishing Co. Administered by CopyCare
1. Great is thy faithfulness,
O God my Father,
there is no shadow
of turning with thee;
thou changest not,
thy compassion, they fail not;
as thou hast been
thou for ever wilt be.
Great is thy faithfulness
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning
new mercies I see;
all I have needed
thy hand hath provided,
great is thy faithfulness,
Lord, unto me!
2. Summer and winter,
and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon and stars
in their courses above,
join with all nature
in manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness,
mercy and love.
3. Pardon for sin
and a peace that endureth,
thine own dear presence
to cheer and to guide;
strength for today
and bright hope for tomorrow,
blessings all mine,
with ten thousand beside!
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239 John Newton (1725-1807)
1. Great Shepherd of thy people, hear,
thy presence now display;
as thou hast giv'n a place for pray'r,
so give us hearts to pray.
2. Within these walls let holy peace and love
and concord dwell;
here give the troubled conscience ease,
the wounded spirit heal.
3. May we in faith receive thy word,
in faith present our pray'rs,
and in the presence of our Lord
unburden all our cares.
4. The hearing ear, the seeing eye,
the contrite heart, bestow;
and shine upon us from on high,
that we in grace may grow.
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240 William Williams (1717-1791) trans. Peter Williams (1727-1796) and others
1. Guide me, O thou great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty,
hold me with thy pow'rful hand:
Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven,
feed me till I want no more,
feed me till I want no more.
2. Open now the crystal fountain,
whence the healing stream doth flow;
let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through;
strong deliv'rer, strong deliv'rer,
be thou still my strength and shield,
be thou still my strength and shield.
3. When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside;
death of death, and hell's destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side;
songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to thee,
I will ever give to thee.
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