A Hymn for the Feast of SS Peter and Paul

Special Occasions

A Hymn for the Feast of SS Peter and Paul

Saints of God in heaven dwelling
Sing and pray in holy light;
Through their lives all ages telling
Of Christ’s love which brings us sight.
Paul and Peter,
Pray and put our fear to flight.

Jesus, walking on the seashore:
Simon, come and follow me –
Leaving nets and fishing no more,
Save for souls to set them free.
You are Peter,
Holding heavenly kingdom’s key

Peter’s faith both strong and fearful
Fails his Lord, though called the rock,
Once forgiven, sad and tearful:
Charged to care for Jesus’ flock.
Faithful Peter:
Pray for us in death’s dread shock.

Caring, leading, learning new ways,
Peter’s life takes him to Rome –
Cross inverted giving God praise,
Dying, enters heavenly home.
Holy Peter,
Feed Christ’s sheep where’er we roam.

Saul of Tarsus set on ending
Those belonging to the Way.
Felled and stunned by God’s light, sending
Blindness – halting zealot's fray.
Saul of Tarsus,
Met by Jesus, for us pray.

Paul has heard the Christ of glory:
Now his strength and sight restored,
Healed to share salvation’s story,
Owning Jesus as his Lord.
Paul, apostle,
Holding book and martyr’s sword!

May the light of prayer and caring,
Lived by saints in Jesu’s way,
Fill your Church with holy daring:
Speaking truth to power today!
Paul and Peter,
Give us strength and for us pray!

Commissioned by William McVicker for SS Peter and Paul, Bromley

© Neil Thompson 2021