We cannot gloat: a time for grief (website only)

We cannot gloat: a time for grief,
another mother’s son is dead,
and if that son has killed and maimed,
it is the better least is said;
but let us mourn for all the loss,
within the shadow of the cross.

We mourn for victims we have loved,
and for the orphans yet unborn;
for those for whom a searing pain
greets this and every rising dawn,
and then we bow our heads and pray
that peace might drench the world today.

And to that end we pledge our lives,
our words, our actions and our deeds,
as following the Prince of Peace,
we’ll work for peace till peace succeeds,
in breaking every barrier down,
that love may be our goal and crown.

Words: Andrew Pratt (May 2, 2011)

© Stainer & Bell Ltd, 2011 [please include on CCL Licence returns or equivalent]

Metre: 88.88.88.

Suggested tune: St Chrysostom (StF 366 ii; H&P 275 ii)

“do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice”. Proverbs 24:17

See also Singing the moment