Hark, the glad sound - the Saviour comes!

Written for my very dear friend, Ric, on his appointment as Director of Mission, Ministry and Discipleship in the diocese of Newcastle. The text responds to 1 Kings 19, and more broadly to the whole Elijah story. A hymn for new beginnings (for my dearest brother, R.P. Whaite) Speak to us, Lord, in your whisper, speak to us your words of peace; let us find in fire and earthquake calm for fears and pain’s release. Speak to us in your creation, speak in beauty, wind and flame, feed us with the earth’s good bounty, nourish us to praise your name.   Speak to us, Lord, in your angels, comfort us and soothe our dread. May they bring sustaining shelter Word of life and daily bread. Feed us, Lord, that we may journey onward in the strength you give. Feed us with the bread of angels, heal our hurts and let us live.   Speak to us, Lord, let us listen, call us into fuller life. Send us to bring hope to others, speak your words and share your light. Send us with your ang...

Frideswide is an obscure saint and very strongly located not just in Oxford, but in Christ Church. I wrote this hymn for her feast day (and our patronal festival) in 2022. It's dedicated to Richard Peers, then our Sub Dean, a priest of huge integrity, wisdom and gentleness from whom I learnt a lot. The tune is Highwood, because I love it. This is the house which holy Frideswide founded strong in God’s peace, unshaken, unafraid, choosing a life of prayer, of love and service, she taught God’s truth and brought God’s gracious aid. Once in this place, she healed God’s hurting people; here from her faith she built a house of grace; now in her presence we her light remember as she beholds our God with glowing face. Here stands the shrine, its fragments found and mended – marble and stone once carved with faithful care – craft that remade it after years of absence; her silent presence and her steadfast prayer. And here we come, to ask again for healing, kneeling in worship at the broken ...

A hymn for the beginning of new ministry, in a place where prayer has been valid. (Hebrews 11:32-12:2) (Written to celebrate the installation of Sarah Foot as Dean of Christ Church in 2023.) With saints of all the ages we praise our holy Lord, whose death has opened heaven, whose life was once outpoured, who lives and reigns forever, who makes his people one: one with the saints in glory, with hope of life to come. Our kindred are the saints who worked wonders with each breath  and we like them are called by the God who conquered death. So strengthened and befriended by those who went before, may we like them bring healing, and like them hope restore. *Here Frideswide sang God's praises, here prayer was daily heard, a House on firm foundations and trusting in the Word, and at this new beginning our prayers and praise arise: O bless our priests and people, God merciful and wise. We pray for all who worship, we pray for all who lead; our loving God will give us the daily strength we ...

Called to worship, called to service, called to bring God’s presence near; called to preaching, prayer and blessing speaking peace to conquer fear. Thirty years of joys and sorrows, priestly service gathered here.   We have walked where Christ has called us, borne our cross and suffered pain. To God’s call we have been faithful, and in loss have found our gain. For indeed our God is faithful, and we give our thanks again.   Called to tell salvation’s story, brought in safety through the sea; brought into the new creation, from the weight of sin set free. Called to speak of God’s forgiveness — at our voice let sorrow flee.   Here we stand where earth and heaven meet in praise and offering; here we make Christ truly present, hearts and lives the gifts we bring. Where our hands share blood and body, hearts and souls and voices sing.   In this house of prayer and teaching, where our songs of praise arise, Lord, receive our great thanksgiving joy that echoes to the skies....