A Hymn for the Feast of St Barnabas

Special Occasions

A Hymn for the Feast of St Barnabas

God’s saints are those who live in hearts
Where faith sees love’s true mark and worth;
The Christ will use so many parts
In bringing light to all the earth.
St Barnabas who walked Christ’s way
Inspire the Church and for us pray!

Apostle called to travel wide
Proclaiming Christ beyond the Land.
He preached the love that for us died:
God’s healing touch with piercèd hand.
St Barnabas who walked Christ’s way
Inspire the Church and for us pray!

Take us beyond the bounds of self
Like Barnabas and Paul of old:
Help us to live God’s common wealth
And share Christ’s life with spirit bold.
St Barnabas who walked Christ’s way
Inspire the Church and for us pray!

O saint, renamed by Jesus’ friends,
Encourage us to change and grow –
To live the Spirit’s means and ends
And help the world God’s truth to know.
St Barnabas who walked Christ’s way
Inspire the Church and for us pray!

Across the years God’s people praise
Those holy lives which shed Christ’s light.
Today’s world needs love’s saving ways:
Our darkness, Lord, pleads for your sight.
St Barnabas who walked Christ’s way
Inspire the Church and for us pray!

Christ’s Gospel brings love’s mercy true –
Redeeming joy for every age;
The Kingdom’s saints, both old and new,
Live out the Word from Bible’s page.
St Barnabas who walked Christ’s way
Inspire the Church and for us pray!

Where do we seek the weak and lost
For Christ through us to heal and serve?
St Barnabas, you risked that cost,
Revive our faith and steel our nerve!
St Barnabas who walked Christ’s way
Inspire the Church and for us pray!

For the Parish of St Barnabas, Dulwich who commissioned this hymn

© Neil Thompson 2003