A Hymn of Loss and Recovery (after the Covid–19 pandemic)

Special Occasions, General

A Hymn of Loss and Recovery (after the Covid–19 pandemic)

Unseen foes fragment our living
Bringing fear and loss and death;
Fragile lives brought down, each giving
Epidemic's threat to breath.
Lord, our world is ever learning
Life and change are ever one:
Heal us, help us in discerning
Faith that leads till days are done.

Every people, every nation –
Illness strikes at all, bar none.
God is here in his creation
Sharing life in Christ, his Son.
With the poorest and the weakest
Brings his love to share our wealth –
Reaching those whose lot is bleakest,
Healing, caring, bringing health.

In our caring, love remakes us,
Helps us see the world afresh.
Different values redefine us
In our power and fragile flesh.
Service marks our needs in others,
Sacrifice brings life for all –
As we journey, sisters, brothers,
On the road – so none shall fall.

Science, art and recreation
Blessed by God, creation’s fount,
Offer hope to every nation
So that every life can count.
Take our lives, O God of healing,
Change our lands with daring love:
Self–denying, truth revealing,
Set our hearts on heaven above!

All the loss and dislocation,
All the grief and broken hearts
Are restored in God’s salvation –
Risen life where death departs:
Future joys beyond all telling
Won by Jesus Christ the Lord,
Formed by Spirit’s love indwelling
As we live with one accord!

© Neil Thompson 2021