For the Beauty of the Earth

Each week we discuss the sermon or lessons but oft forget the music that is very much part of our praise.

This week I would reflect upon some of the hymns we sang and the true value of the words of our music as part of the service.

One of the standout hymns was number 631, Jesus hands were kind hands.

We start by remembering the truth of Jesus and the kind hands and healing work of his hands. We rejoice at the strength of those hands, helping those who have fallen and blessing and keeping the children small. Such gentleness and yet such strength.

How do we honour and keep this faith?
We ask the following

Take my hands, Lord Jesus, let them work for you;
make them strong and gentle, kind in all I do;
let me watch you, Jesus, till I'm gentle too,
till my hands are kind hands, quick to work for you.
Take my hands, Lord Jesus, let them work for you

Can there be more hopeful request?

My favourite of the day was 434, For the Beauty of the Earth

On such a day as today can there be better praise and thanks than

For the beauty of the earth,
for the glory of the skies,

We oft forget as we revel in the day that this land is brought to you by God.

Christ, our Lord, to you we raise
this, our hymn of grateful praise.
For the wonder of each hour
of the day and of the night,
hill and vale and tree and flower,
sun and moon and stars of light,

Can there be a better way to celebrate that which is given than by seeking the glory of that given?

For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth, and friends above,
for all gentle thoughts and mild, [Refrain]
For yourself, best gift divine,
to the world so freely given,
agent of God's grand design:
peace on earth and joy in heaven.
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise
this, our hymn of grateful praise.

May we relish the music and words of the day together on Sunday to reflect, rejoice and recommit to that which we believe, lets us remember and say thank you for the words or the lessons, teaching of the sermons and blessings of the music.

Christ, our Lord, to you we raise
this, our hymn of grateful praise.

Noral R.