The full text of the new lyrics used.
The full text of the first set of lyrics I have used, ‘In praise of Doubt’, is printed in the Introduction. The full text of all the other lyrics used are printed here with reference to the volumes of lyrics I have self-published, just in case you have copies of the books. You can access all my 500 or so new lyrics on my website at https://sites.google.com/site/george007site or from the search, ‘Singing a New Song George Stuart’ and then choosing the option ‘george007 - Google Sites’, in Google. The number in the following list coincides with the number within the text of the book.
No copyright restrictions or limitations are attached to them.
As there is no copyright limitations or restrictions on them you are welcome to use them as you wish. If you do use them, I request that acknowledgement be given to me as the author.
I also reference the tunes I have selected from the two official Australian hymnbooks - AHB - the official Australian Hymnbook and TiS - AHB’s second edition, Together in Song. For most of the lyrics there are alternative tunes that can be used. Most of the tunes I have chosen are in the Public Domain so they can be used freely. For the tunes not in the Public Domain, you will need to gain permission for use from the copyright owner/s.
A note on Christmas carol new lyrics.
I have briefly mentioned these traditional lyrics before but I need to get this off my chest.
The traditional Christmas carols make the Christmas time one of the most difficult times of the Christian year for me. I do not wish to celebrate Christmas with these traditional lyrics.
Christmas time is a commercial bonanza but at least we are encouraged to spend money mostly on other people and not on ourselves. As our system is built partly on consumerism, I suppose it could be thought of as positive and by some, even necessary. I find that a dubious basis on which to be positive about Christmas. This time can also be a time of family gatherings and I think that is very positive. The Christmas spirit is thought of as a spirit of giving, a spirit of good will etc., etc. We need more of that. Some of the secular Christmas festivals are delightful for young and old alike. For so many they bring enjoyment that is so welcome.
But for me, Christmas is a theological disaster! We have kept the biblical stories and lost their meanings. The rampant dualism associated with it takes Jesus further away each time we celebrate. This dualism is certainly a basis for the stories in Matthew and Luke but I think the hymn writers of 19th and 20th centuries took this to a new level. I believe that through the carol lyrics we have been fed this dualism and many have thus discarded the stories as unbelievable. Many would not be so rude as to say “They are ridiculous” but I imagine that is what they are thinking. Cecil Frances Alexander, so bound to her theological era and the dualism it espoused, has contributed a few sets of lyrics I will not sing; e.g. ‘Once in Royal David’s City’.
For me, ‘Away in the Manger’ is another set of lyrics I find totally unacceptable but many still think it is a ‘lovely’ song to teach children. These lyrics are a perfect example of how to keep Jesus in the land of make-believe, in La-La-land, and far enough away, enabling us to avoid his message and his challenge. All very safe for a consumerist, self-indulgent society. All this is made possible and encouraged by the dualism of Heaven and Earth and the theism which it presupposes. The first word “Away” sets the tone for the lyrics of this carol which ends with, “And fit us for heaven to live with you there”. Dear Me!
I would estimate that the Christmas carols’ lyrics from our official hymnbooks are the best known in our secular society.
What a shame that they teach about an inhabitant of Heaven or ‘fairyland’, visiting Earth for a short period. My lyrics give quite a different slant on the story. You’ll find all of the new Christmas lyrics, as well as many more, on my website at https://sites.google.com/site/george007site. They suggest a different theology. You might even find some useful. Who knows?
Enough said.
The Lyrics in full.
No. 1.
Certain of Uncertainty
Tune Forest Green AHB 240 and TiS 316.
Singing a New Song Volume 1 No. 60.
In life, with such uncertainty;
We long to feel at peace;
But with such complex liberty
We feel our stress increase.
When, in the maze we grope each day,
Confusion’ is our name.
When change unsettles life, we say,
“Please, let things stay the same!”
No easy answers anymore;
We know there never was!
The slick and glib we now ignore;
We question more because
We know we are responsible
For this world of today;
We know God’s not accountable
For what we do and say.
In knowledge, we have help at hand
To live life with less fear;
With learning, wisdom can expand,
And help the truth come clear.
But attitudes cannot remain
In ages long ago;
Our understandings must ordain
Beliefs that help us grow.
When we discern a brighter light,
Act out the God within,
Then - ‘God is love’- that great insight -
Is where we must begin.
We do not need a certainty,
However much desired;
For Jesus knew love’s energy
Is all that is required.
No. 2.
In God we live and move and be
Tune Ballerma AHB 18 and TiS 515(i).
Singing a New Song Volume 4 No. 11.
In God we live and move and be,
In God we have our place;
If we accept this for ourselves
Then love shines from our face.
In God we live and move and be,
Our life is truly blest;
God welcomes us with open arms
As to an honoured guest.
In God we live and move and be,
E’en when we feel alone;
In God we can accept what is;
A strength can still be known.
In God we live and move and be,
And when our love is true
God’s ‘presence’ is revealed to all
In what we say and do.
In God we live and move and be,
In God have harmony;
We praise and celebrate with joy
This mystic unity.
No. 3.
God Beyond
Tune Ar Hyd Y Nos (All through the night) Not in AHB TiS168.
Singing a New Song Volume 2 No. 22.
Time and space are both a mystery;
God is beyond.
Limitless yet with a history;
God is beyond.
When we think of human millions,
Study galaxies in billions,
When we ponder stars in trillions,
God is beyond.
In nonillions*, yet are living;
God is beyond;
Tiny cells are unforgiving;
God is beyond;
Genes bequeath to us our hist’ry,
Germs attack and give no mercy,
Microscopic - all is mystery;
God is beyond.
Science drives investigations;
God is beyond.
Offers many explanations;
God is beyond.
Gathered facts we list together;
Growth of knowledge - our endeavour;
Much is understood, however
God is beyond.
With our questions we stand silent;
God is beyond.
Overwhelmed, in raw amazement;
God is beyond.
When we contemplate creation;
Honour countless variation;
We are hushed in meditation;
God is beyond.
*A nonillion is 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.
There are at least 5 nonillion bacteria on the earth’s crust!
No. 4.
My God is in Jesus
Tune Kresmer AHB 25 and TiS 107.
Singing a New Song Volume 1 No. 16.
(Note. If you use this song, feel free to choose the verses most relevant to your situation and ignore the rest. I suggest you use the last verse to finish the singing.)
My God is in Jesus; the gospel is telling
The story of one who was servant of all;
Whose love and compassion, so rich and so compelling,
Restores the broken-hearted, supports those who fall.
My God is in Jesus; befriends the rejected;
Who stands by the victim, disputes with the strong,
And offers a hand to the poor and the neglected;
Who welcomes every stranger, helps outcasts belong.
My God is in Jesus, who dines with the sinner,
The homeless, unclean, the diseased and the lame;
Invites in the outcasts and cripples to his dinner;
Accepts the unaccepted, negates all their shame.
My God is in Jesus; gives comfort in sorrow;
For when they are dirty, God washes our feet;
Shows mercy, forgiveness; gives courage for the morrow;
For prodigals and guilty - the welcome, complete.
My God is in Jesus; gives hope to the helpless;
Who challenges those who would tread on the meek;
Confronts all oppression; opposes what is ruthless;
Gives courage to the failure and strength to the weak.
My God is in Jesus, who changes our thinking;
His crown was of thorns and a cross is his throne.
This young man is killed, but our hearts should not be sinking;
His loving and His goodness have burst through the stone.
My God is in Jesus, who shares all our living;
From inside our being we know he is kind.
Compassion displayed in the power of his giving;
My God is in Jesus. Real love is defined.
No. 5.
Love and …
Tune Iris AHB 235 and TiS 309.
Singing a New Song Volume 3 No. 14.
When we strive to be much better
Do not think that it is odd
To believe this urgent feeling
And its forcefulness is God.
Love …. …. …. and challenge.
Are so life reforming;
Love …. …. …. and challenge
Can be life transforming.
When we share a tragic moment
Do not think that it is odd
To believe this tender feeling
And its sentiment is God.
Love …. …. …. and kindness
Are, in life, enfolding;
Love …. …. …. and kindness
Are, for us, upholding.
When a gen’rous gift is given
Do not think that it is odd
To believe this noble feeling
And its graciousness is God.
Love …. …. …. and goodness
Are, for us, bewitching;
Love …. …. …. and goodness –
Always life enriching.
When delightful thoughts surprise us
Do not think that it is odd
To believe these thrilling feelings
And their joyfulness is God.
Love …. …. …. and gladness
Prompt us into dancing;
Love …. …. …. and gladness
Are so life enhancing.
No. 6.
God lives within Humanity
Tune In Dulci Jubilo AHB 238 and TiS 313.
Singing a New Song Volume 1 No. 24.
God lives within humanity;
What joy at Bethlehem we see;
Quietly born amongst the hay;
We recall good news today.
Jesus, Mary’s little child,
So precious and so undefiled;
Jesus’ special day;
God amongst the hay.
God lives within humanity;
hat joy at Bethlehem we see;
Kings and shepherds come sincere;
Some with wisdom, some in fear;
Grace and peace and love and joy
Are welcomed in a baby boy;
Jesus greeted here;
God, incarnate, here.
God lives in our humanity;
Divine and human unity;
In our care and gentleness
God conveys a blessedness.
As with Jesus, God imparts
Divine intention to our hearts.
Jesus lived to bless;
God in us will bless.
God lives within humanity;
From Bethlehem to Calvary;
Through it all he shows us how;
Jesus Christ invites us now;
He reveals what life can be,
So hear his call. ‘Come follow Me.’
Christ invites us now.
God invites us now.
No. 7.
God Between
Tune Ar Hyd Y Nos (All through the night) Not in AHB TiS168.
Singing a New Song Volume 2 No. 61.
In community with others
God is between.
Prizing them like sisters, brothers,
God is between.
God involved in human action,
Spark of life in each reaction,
Core of every interaction
God is between.
When we learn to live together
God is between;
Harmonizing with each other,
God is between.
When corruption is deemed loathsome,
When our diff’rences are welcome,
When community is wholesome
God is between.
When equality is central
God is between;
Justice, truth when fundamental
God is between.
When our leaders show they’re honest,
Comp’ny profits when kept modest,
Disadvantaged, when they’re noticed
God is between.
When compassion flows quite freely
God is between;
When we share our love sincerely
God is between.
When we suffer no rejection,
When our strength provides protection,
When in love we make connection
God is between.
No. 8.
God Beyond, Between, Within
Tune O Store Gud (How great Thou art) Not in AHB TiS 155.
Singing a New Song Volume 2 No. 19.
There are no words by which we catch the myst’ry;
Yet still we sing, we praise and we adore;
There are no words in which we hold the history
Of all creation. We just stand in awe.
God is beyond our wildest fantasies;
God is beyond, yet we respond.
God is beyond exotic ecstasies;
God is beyond, yet we respond.
When love is shared and people show compassion,
As Jesus did, once there in Galilee,
When love is shared and given without ration
We show how fully human we can be.
God is between, involved in all events;
God is between, although unseen.
God is between involved in every sense;
God is between, although unseen.
Within our souls, the stirrings of our spirit
Prompt us to try to make all conflict cease;
Within our souls we’re conscious of the merit
Of gentleness, of love, of grace and peace.
God is within to share our human need;
God is within; rejoice therein.
God is within; our life is blest indeed;
God is within; rejoice therein.
God is beyond, between, within - not absent;
Not far away, not on some lofty throne;
God is beyond, between, within so constant;
No gulf to bridge to some angelic zone.
This is Good News; we know that we belong;
For God is love; for God is love.
his is Good News, the everlasting song;
For God is love. Yes! God is love.
No. 9.
Human do Amazing Things
Tune Ebenezer AHB 295, 499 and TiS 232, 373.
Singing a New Song Volume 2 No. 65.
When we contemplate our neighbourhood
Humans do amazing things.
When deprived of basic livelihood
Humans do amazing things.
Some accept what life has handed,
Some will never, never retreat.
Even feeling lost and stranded,
Some refuse to suffer defeat.
In the darkness of deep tragedy
Humans do amazing things.
When engulfed in endless misery
Humans do amazing things.
Somewhere we find light in darkness;
Somehow find the strength to grin.
Hope can live when swamped with sadness;
Hell will never finally win!
When surrounded with adversity
Humans do amazing things.
When struck down by grim calamity
Humans do amazing things.
Strangers risk their lives to rescue;
Danger ignored; the trapped must be freed;
People are of priceless value;
All to help each one in need.
Where do we find strength to persevere?
How do we find strength to win?
What enables hope to reappear?
Could it be that God is within?
God is courage. God gives daring.
God is strength and God gives wings.
God is love and God gives caring.
Humans do amazing things!
No. 10.
The Beauty within Us
Tune To God be the glory AHB 85 and TiS 147.
Singing a New Song Volume 4 No. 55.
The beauty within us – the impulse to care
Is God’s image planted, of which we are heir;
For friend and for stranger when need is severe
Our heart gives attention; our help is sincere.
When we heed others’ need
And no matter how small,
When we heed others’ need
We respond to God’s call;
With God deep within us, our spirit is bold;
The Christ is then present; his love we unfold.
The beauty within us that prompts us to prayer
Is God’s image planted, of which we are heir;
The struggle continues with evil abuse;
And sometimes we feel it may be of no use;
We remain; not in vain
To give comfort and hope;
We remain; not in vain
Helping others to cope;
With God deep within us, our spirit is strong;
The Christ is then present to right what is wrong.
The beauty within us when willing to share
Is God’s image planted, of which we are heir;
Our friendship, compassion and all that is true
Will multiply endlessly when they shine through;
We are blessed with the best
Of what God can bestow;
We are blessed with the best
Of much more than we know;
With God deep within us, our spirit can grow;
The Christ will be present when we let love flow.
No. 11.
God Lives Within Humanity
Tune In Dulci Jubilo AHB 238 and TiS 313.
Singing a New Song Volume 1 No. 24.
God lives within humanity;
What joy at Bethlehem we see;
Quietly born amongst the hay;
Jesus, Mary’s little child,
So precious and so undefiled;
Jesus’ special day;
God amongst the hay.
God lives within humanity;
What joy at Bethlehem we see;
Kings and shepherds come sincere;
Some with wisdom, some in fear;
Grace and peace and love and joy
Are welcomed in a baby boy;
Jesus greeted here;
God, incarnate, here.
God lives in our humanity;
Divine and human unity;
In our care and gentleness
God conveys a blessedness.
As with Jesus, God imparts
Divine intention to our hearts.
Jesus lived to bless;
God in us will bless.
God lives within humanity;
From Bethlehem to Calvary;
Through it all he shows us how;
Jesus Christ invites us now;
He reveals what life can be,
So hear his call. ‘Come follow Me.’
Christ invites us now.
God invites us now.
No. 12.
He was a Threat
Tune Maryton AHB 522 and TiS 601.
Singing a New Song Volume 4 No. 17.
The leaders of his day were right;
He was a threat. He had to die.
He caused unrest, but did not fight!
He was a threat. He had to die.
He criticised all unjust law;
“Don’t act corruptly.” was his cry;
Condemned the rich who wanted more;
He was a threat. He had to die.
He spoke against abuse of might;
Yet Romans used it to deny
Justice and truth; the sword was right;
He was a threat. He had to die.
He taught a different way to live;
He would not teach, ‘An eye for eye.’
He practised love; he said “Forgive.”
He was a threat. He had to die.
It was not God who planned his death;
He was a threat! He had to die!
Evil still says with every breath,
He is a threat! He has to die!”
No. 13.
A Sacrifice?
Tune Salzburg AHB 49 and TiS 564.
Singing a New Song Volume 4 No. 15.
The tragedy of tragedies
We’re taught that violence wins -
That blood of Jesus is God’s plan
To wash away our sins.
We do not need more blood to flow
To feel the strength of grace;
Acceptance flows from God’s own heart -
A deep profound embrace.
Can we accept a world where grace
Is always freely given?
A world that Jesus dreamt about
Where sin is just forgiven.
There is no need for sacrifice
To pay a price for sin;
Forgiveness, mercy, grace occurs
When love abides within.
No. 14.
When Jesus Died so Long Ago
Tune Horsley AHB 266 and TiS 350.
Singing a New Song Volume 4 No. 74.
(Original lyrics for ‘There is a green hill far away’)
When Jesus died so long ago
And shared our human fate,
He did not curse his human foe
Nor utter words of hate.
He prayed for those who drove each nail;
He comforted a thief;
He struggled to let love prevail;
e battled unbelief.
He cried not to be left alone;
His friends had run away;
The torture of his flesh and bone –
We can but watch and pray.
And as we watch and see his pain
We ask, “What can we pray?
“Is love, compassion all in vain?
Has violence won the day?”
He breathes his last; he bows his head;
This is the end – but NO!
The powers that be – they think he’s dead;
They are so wrong; we know!
His love survives and still lives on;
It lives in you and me;
Oppressed, abused but never gone;
Love lives eternally.
No. 15.
The Ordinary is Marvelous
Tune Irby AHB 237 and TiS 312.
Singing a New Song Volume 1 No. 28.
(Note. If you use this song, feel free to choose the verses most relevant to your situation and ignore the rest. I suggest you use the last verse to finish the singing.)
When we ponder on the Advent story,
When we contemplate the wondrous birth,
Let us sing of miracle and glory,
Bursting through our hist’ry here on earth.
Let us also prize the common,
That which happens ev’rywhere and often.
For, although each human birth is special,
It is also very commonplace.
Jesus born in Bethlehem, quite normal;
Numbered with us in the human race;
Born as us, dependent child.
Treasured infant, gently meek and mild.
Nazareth, where everybody knew him,
Where he learned an ordinary trade,
There they spurned him. Jesus was a victim;
Treated like a wilful renegade.
Sorrow, pain, he knew so well;
Suffered in his agonising hell.
Joy, despair, adversity and pleasure;
He has shared our happiness and strife.
Yet in him is something that we treasure,
Nothing strange about this Jewish life.
God in Christ has friend and foe.
God involved in everything we know.
Then in death, horrific yet quite common
For those judged committing heinous crime,
Jesus shared extremes of our condition;
Lived and felt in every age and clime.
Jesus walked our human way;
Tested, tried. He did not back away.
So we treasure all the common graces,
Live each day as precious and unique.
God is present at all times and places,
On the plains, as on the mountain peak.
Plain yet wondrous, every hour,
God, within, enriches us with power.
No. 16.
God is Mystery
Tune Lasst Uns Erfreuen AHB 3, 42, 87, 276 and TiS 72, 100, 150, 360.
Singing a New Song Volume 4 No. 6.
God in all galaxies beyond,
Yet in our hearts and we respond;
God of mystery shares our history;
God is the gentle breeze that blows;
In every creature as it grows;
God gives glory to our story;
God of mystery shares our history;
Alleluia.
God is beyond our wildest dreams,
Quite out of reach it almost seems;
God of mystery shares our history;
Yet we all know of God within,
Facing each day as we begin;
God in hiding, yet abiding;
God of mystery shares our history;
Alleluia.
God is the sacredness of life;
Meets us in all our peace and strife;
God of mystery shares our history;
God shares with us our human mess,
Feeling each joy and every stress;
God of trying; God in crying;
God of mystery shares our history;
Alleluia.
In God we live and move and be;
In God we find our destiny;
God of mystery shares our history;
God is the love that fills our soul:
God is the love that makes us whole;
God gives glory to our story;
God of mystery shares our history;
Alleluia.
No. 17.
God is Love, Unfailing Grace
Tune Grafton AHB 343(i), 422(ii) Not in TiS.
Singing a New Song Volume 2 No. 12.
God is love and ever present
In each time, at every place;
God is love and dwells within us;
Is discerned in every face;
This is scared; this is myst’ry;
God is love, unfailing grace.
When love blossoms, when love beckons
Let us taste its sweet delight;
When love welcomes, when love listens
Then our darkness turns to light;
This is myst’ry; this is sacred;
This is sunrise after night.
God is love and love keeps yearning
For response and then gives more;
God is love and love is gen’rous;
Not controlled by rules or law;
This is sacred; this is myst’ry;
Love abides for evermore.
No. 18.
Violence in the Bible
Tune Cross of Jesus AHB 72(ii) and TiS 136.
Singing a New Song Volume 4 No. 106.
In our sacred book there’s violence
Often done at God’s behest;
Why would God demand mass killings,
Act in ways that we detest?
We would question all the stories
When they tell of God at war,
When they tell of ethnic cleansing
Done according to God’s law.
Can we see the hands of Jesus
Cutting off Goliath’s head?
Can we think of Jesus wanting
All of Egypt’s first-born dead?
Jesus is for us the standard;
His non-violence is our stand;
When we look at God through Jesus
We begin to understand.
No. 19.
Jonah
Tune Morning Light AHB 509 and TiS 592.
Singing a New Song Volume 2 No. 91.
He ran away so quickly; he found a speedy yacht;
He did not want to rumble with such a motley lot!
For Jonah was the preacher whom God had asked to go
To foreigners to tell them, “Stop misbehaving so.”
When Jonah tried to practice a disappearing trick,
His boat sailed into trouble, the storm came up so quick.
The captain threw him over; he had a ‘sort of’ hunch;
The fury stopped, and Jonah became a tasty lunch.
The whale got indigestion and Jonah, he popped out;
He knew he was a loser; he did a turnabout.
He preached to all that city; “You must be good and true,
Then God might reconsider what had been planned to do.”
God did not chuck a wobbly, but Jonah wished them dead;
For they were not like he was – not Jewish born and bred.
So God taught him a lesson; not sure if he agreed;
God’s love is for all people, for every race and creed.
No. 20.
It is so Grand
Tune Woodlands AHB 109, 328 and TiS 161, 411.
Singing a New Song Volume 1 No. 4.
It is so grand - the cosmos with its store
Of galaxies and stars; we stand in awe;
The constellations, nebulae and more,
o limitless, no human can explore.
It is so grand - the beauty of the earth -
Abundant life; all species seek re-birth;
We look at nature; she responds with mirth;
And then we wonder at her dazzling worth.
It is so grand - the body, soul and mind -
So complex yet exquisitely combined;
Belief, thought, deed - effectively entwined
Reveal the miracle of humankind.
It is so grand - the virtues we hold dear -
Soft kindness, goodness, gentleness sincere,
Faith, hope and love which constantly appear;
And grace, compassion which helps conquer fear.
The ‘God beyond’ is always on display;
The ‘God within’ sustains us all each day;
The ‘God between’ in all our interplay;
We are so blest; we need to kneel and pray.
No. 21.
Nature’s Moods
Tune Moscow AHB 61 and TiS 221, 447.
Singing a New Song Volume 1 No. 99.
Nature won’t be subdued.
Has more than just one mood;
Can cause us fear.
Earthquakes and violent storms,
Tempest in all its forms,
Tornado that deforms,
They’re so severe.
Fire and floods destroy;
Treat buildings like a toy;
Such is their force.
They always devastate;
Leave people desolate;
They can annihilate
All in their course.
Why should these things be so?
Has nature turned to foe?
We’re in despair.
We ask the question, “Why?”
No answers satisfy;
We stagger and we cry,
“It’s just not fair!”
Some blame catastrophe
On God’s activity,
As if it’s planned.
But nature’s frantic deeds
Do not serve human needs;
Amoral nature heeds
No such demand.
Standing by those in pain,
Trying to ease the strain,
Gloom is reversed.
Our spirit still survives,
And human hope revives;
When love’s support arrives
God is immersed.
No. 22.
Divine persuasion
Tune Bishopgarth Not in AHB or TiS.
Methodist Hymnbook 964(ii) and Presbyterian Hymnary 370 Singing a New Song Volume 2 No. 9.
Dr Val Webb states:
God is imaged metaphorically as Divine Persuasion -
call it conscience, heart, ground of being, Love -
working within us and the world towards richness and wholeness.
Divine Persuasion urges us, “Make life-enriching choices.”
At every time in every place hear silent sacred voices;
As thoughts divine direct our ways and with us earth rejoices;
We move to wholesomeness enhanced by life-enriching choices.
Divine Intention prompts us to a way of love and justice;
The challenges enable us to bring about, through service,
The reign of God, the prize of peace, and all that life can promise;
We move to wholesomeness in life by way of love and justice.
Divine Involvement permeates the essence of our nature;
Provokes, entices, sponsors us to forge a wondrous picture
Of human worth and dignity in every race and culture;
We move to wholesomeness and find the essence of our nature.
No. 23.
Praying – Living Values
Tune Holywood Not in AHB TiS 501.
Singing a New Song Volume 3 No. 68.
When I pray I feel more deeply;
Reaching out with thanks and praise;
When I pray I think more deeply;
Pondering life’s puzzling maze;
When I pray I live more deeply
In the values love conveys.
When I pray I can’t act badly
Giving way to grim deceit;
When I pray I can’t be angry,
Wishing for some vengeance sweet;
When I pray I’m far more ready
o befriend each one I meet.
When I pray I act intently
Showing kindness, patience, grace;
When I pray I strive intently
Seeking justice for each race;
When I pray I toil intently
Building peace in every place.
When I pray I speak more clearly
To affirm the ones who fail;
When I pray I give more freely
To the poor, infirm or frail;
When I pray I live more fully,
And in God I can prevail.
No. 24.
God’s Incarnation
Tune Grafton AHB 343(i), 422(ii) Not in TiS.
Singing a New Song Volume 4 No. 48.
C. Robert Mesle states in ‘Process Theology - A basic introduction’
“Every person incarnates the divine call - i.e. incarnates God - to some degree.”
We can be God’s incarnation
When we live in love and peace;
God’s own kingdom is reflected
When all wars and conflicts cease;
With the promise
Of true justice
We may see God’s reign increase.
We can be God’s incarnation
When we care for all around;
God’s own kingdom is reflected
When in kindness we are bound;
In our living
And our giving
God’s own action can be found.
We can be God’s incarnation
When we link with Galilee;
God’s own kingdom is reflected
In our life and ministry,
When with Jesus
We find purpose
Bringing love to victory.
No. 25.
In Awe and Thankfulness
Tune Rivaulx AHB 259(ii) and TiS 131.
Singing a New Song Volume 4 No. 9.
For God inherent and within,
That sacredness when we begin,
In awe and thankfulness we raise
Our hymns and prayers in grateful praise.
For God in process, movement, change,
In all things common, also strange,
In awe and thankfulness we raise
Our hymns and prayers in grateful praise.
For God involved in space and time,
In all things normal and sublime,
In awe and thankfulness we raise
Our hymns and prayers in grateful praise.
For God engaged, both day and night,
In pain and that which brings delight,
In awe and thankfulness we raise
Our hymns and prayers in grateful praise.
For God immersed in all our ways,
In life, in death, in all our days,
In awe and thankfulness we raise
Our hymns and prayers in grateful praise.
No. 26.
Moving Forward in Belief
Tune Stuttgart AHB 200, 216, 265, 477 and TiS 272, 291, 349.Singing a New Song Volume 1 No. 61.
When we ponder what we value,
When we search our past belief,
Then we struggle to surrender
What we’ve known that’s brought relief.
Explanations are more complex
Than the answers we’ve been taught;
Wisdom from the past can lead us,
But we now probe every thought.
We are called to venture forward;
We are challenged to review
Our beliefs and our behaviour;
Always seeking what is true.
If we linger and are passive,
If fear makes us hesitate,
We may find life moves beyond us,
And we can’t participate.
God inside calls us to venture;
Calls to risk and be aware;
Calls to go and meet the future;
Be assured that God is there.
No. 27.
When Tears Begin to Flow
Tune Belmont AHB 435 and TiS 514.
Singing a New Song Volume 3 No. 92.
In life we meet the times that please
But also times of dread;
We know they can bring joy and peace;
But also gloom can spread.
God is the one who suffers much
When we are torn apart;
When grief and tragedy close in
And break our grieving heart.
Sometimes our tears are all we have
To share with those in pain;
But these are precious gifts to give
When we can’t ease the strain.
In tears we share with those who cry
God’s love is on display;
A calming word, supporting hug
Reflect the Jesus’ way.
God is within and also there
When we begin to rise;
God is our strength to start again;
God gently wipes our eyes
No. 28.
Jesus – Teacher, Carer, Rebel
Tune Battle Hymn AHB 205(ii) and Tis 315.
Singing a New Song Volume 1 No. 36.
The Lord, a wondrous teacher, brought a challenge when he spoke;
His authority was welcomed by the poor and simple folk;
Yet, the truth he taught and lived was calculated to provoke.
His wisdom guides us on.
Glory, glory, Hallelujah
His wisdom guides us on.
The Lord, a patient carer, was aware of human need;
He gave healing and forgiveness, and the freedom to succeed.
His compassion, love and gentleness, affirmed in word and deed.
His caring draws us on.
Glory, glory, Hallelujah.
His caring draws us on.
The Lord, a fearless rebel, faced the power of his day;
He exposed the shallow piety of orthodox display;
He fought battles for the victim, heartless laws he’d disobey.
His courage leads us on.
Glory, glory, Hallelujah.
His courage leads us on.
The Lord, as teacher, carer, rebel calls to everyone;
There are conflicts to engage and there is work that must be done.
For in him we have assurance that the victory will be won.
His triumph drives us on.
Glory, glory, Hallelujah.
His triumph drives us on.
No. 29.
Jesus is Our Friendly Teacher
Tune Converse/Erie Not in AHB or TiS.
Methodist Hymnbook 538 Presbyterian Hymnary 701(ii)
Singing a New Song Volume 4 No. 76.
Jesus is our friendly teacher,
Giving guidance as we grow;
We are happy that we know him;
Though he lived so long ago;
When we listen to his stories,
Look at all his healing care,
We can see him loving others
With a love beyond compare.
Jesus is our daring teacher,
Leading in a dangerous way;
We are confident we know him,
Through the conflicts of his day;
He could often get quite angry
When the rulers were unjust;
He spoke up for all the needy;
He was one whom they could trust.
Jesus is our special teacher;
We will follow where he leads;
We are blest because we know him
Through his words and loving deeds;
As we think about his message,
How he lived and why he died,
We will try to love each other
With a heart that’s open wide.