Song for Sunday: Beauty for Brokenness

Our world is full of pain and suffering. 

In the midst of it we are called to seek justice, mercy and hope, not just for ourselves but for all people. This song by English songwriter Graham Kendrick is a prayer for shalom.  Shalom goes beyond peace. It is wholeness, a peace supported by justice, a heart at ease, a society in harmony. It is for people and the earth itself, encompassing all of God's world. May it be granted, through Christ our Lord. 

Beauty for brokenness
Hope for despair
Lord, in your suffering
This is our prayer
Bread for the children
Justice, joy, peace
Sunrise to sunset
Your kingdom increase!

Shelter for fragile lives
Cures for their ills
Work for the craftsman
Trade for their skills
Land for the dispossessed
Rights for the weak
Voices to plead the cause
Of those who can't speak

God of the poor
Friend of the weak
Give us compassion we pray
Melt our cold hearts
Let tears fall like rain
Come, change our love
From a spark to a flame

Refuge from cruel wars
Havens from fear
Cities for sanctuary
Freedoms to share
Peace to the killing-fields
Scorched earth to green
Christ for the bitterness
His cross for the pain

Rest for the ravaged earth
Oceans and streams
Plundered and poisoned
Our future, our dreams
Lord, end our madness
Carelessness, greed
Make us content with
The things that we need

Lighten our darkness
Breathe on this flame
Until your justice
Burns brightly again
Until the nations
Learn of your ways
Seek your salvation
And bring you their praise

Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 1993 Make Way Music,
www.grahamkendrick.co.uk

What is your prayer today?

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