Like a candle burning wildly
Raging soft against the night
Spark that leaps to clear the shadows
Sending warm, disturbing light
We are called to live the passion
Hope stands strong against all pain
for it’s only in the burning
that the candle shows its flame
Like a river running freely
Rapids swirl beside our feet
Swiftly flowing from the high land
Comes to rest, still waters meet
All our journeys rising, falling
Taking turns we least expect
When the Spirit churns within us
Know God’s power through the test
Like an angel walking lightly
On this fragile earth of clay
Touching folk with raw compassion
Laughing, playing on the way
Freely living every moment
In the mystery of grace
Giving, dying, living, rising
See the beauty of God’s face
See the hope that burns in darkness
Show compassion, strong and kind
Bind the hurt and broken-hearted
Be God’s hands and voice and eyes
Sing a new song every sunrise
Climb to places out of reach
Walk in freedom of God’s Spirit
As we die, so we shall live
We are called to live the passion
Hope stands strong against all pain
for it’s only in the burning
that the candle shows its flame
Hi Craig
We really love this song and are singing it at our next hymn service at Penguin UC. I would like to say something about what inspired you to write it. (I know it was dedicated to Rachael at NCYC).
Hi Craig… just a note to let you know that our worship @ 5 gathering will include this hymn as part of prayers for and recognition of Dr Helen Haines (25/10) and the need for our community to hear and heed a higher way
Hi John. I appreciate hearing this. People everywhere are shocked by the event and Helen and the Wangaratta community have been in our prayers.
Thanks Craig… I have written this prayer for our gathered community… Others might be interested and are free to use
Prayer for Helen Haines and our community
We gather into this community from our wider communities
in shock, disbelief, sadness, and sorrow;
united in our deep concern for Helen and her family.
We come to worship, disturbed and afraid,
certainties long held suddenly vulnerable,
yet grateful for courageous friends and neighbours.
Watch over us now, O God –
We and our neighbours who are weary of weeping.
Lead us to live our best selves,
listening to and caring for the wounds of each other.
We pray for Helen’s healing and recuperation
for strength to endure each moment,
for courage to face each night and each day.
We pray in the strongest of all hopes
your loving, healing Spirit’s presence
upon her, her family, our distressed community.
Guide us all to a house of your peace,
to places of respect and honouring of others
to loving kindness, compassion and grace.
Great words. Happy to share. Thanks.