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by Andrew Pratt
Stainer & Bell Ltd, 180pp
ISBN 978 0 85249 891 0
In an era when we are almost overwhelmed with the abundance of new hymns and songs, this book stands out for me from so much of the rest.
The 150 hymns are Bible based and only a handful cannot be sung to well known tunes. As one who sings bass this is a definite plus. There are 27 printed tunes to give variety. The book takes us on a spiritual journey from creation through the Old Testament into the New. We meet the risen Jesus half way through and follow in His steps till we rejoice in praise reclaimed, love reborn and hope rekindled, ending in the secure love of God. These are some of the headings of groups of hymns.
Commentaries run as a narrative thread throughout the book and are helpful in themselves as well as giving background to each hymn.
As we study the index of themes and that of biblical references we see we are well provided with hymns (or, if we prefer, poetry) for each Sunday in the church’s calendar, including communion services.
Andrew wrote this collection whilst trying to reclaim the capacity to praise God following the death of his son in 1999 and it is also his personal pilgrimage through the Bible as he seeks to come to terms with his loss.
I feel the book rightly claims to bring a 21st century perspective to a range of themes including covenant, faith, science, justice, lament and persecution enfolding time past and future in a pertinent message for the present.
Alan Newcombe
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