Hymn Writing Assignment

One of the assignments this term in my United Church Worship class was to, "choose a familiar, traditional hymn and write a new version (at least four verses).  Employ language and images accessible to all members of the congregation and describe your theological and pastoral choices."  Here is the hymn that I wrote (don't worry - I won't inflict my 4 1/2 pages of theological and pastoral reflection on you!).  If you want to hear the tune that it is set to, you can find it here.

I heard (or read) once that the definition of a hymn was third-rate poetry set to second-rate music (possibly a Margaret Atwood-ism?); so I guess that this was my attempt at writing third-rate poetry!

Springs Gush Forth (Psalm 104)

Tune:   Blaenwern

            8787D

Springs gush forth in every valley;

            rivers flow beside the hill.

Animals may come to drink there –

            all of them may drink their fill.

God takes care of every creature

            of the earth, both wild and tame.

We will sing God’s praises always,

            we will praise God’s holy name.

Oceans full of living creatures;

            winds that blow the ships above;

Earth renewed by blowing spirit;

            all created through God’s love.

Rocks and trees and plants and seasons,

            all the chaos, God o’ercame

We will sing God’s praises always,

            we will praise God’s holy name.

God created earth and heavens;

            God created day and night.

God creates each day that follows –

            holy darkness, shining light.

Sun and moon and stars above us,

            lantern, candle, fire, and flame.

We will sing God’s praises always,

            we will praise God’s holy name.

We, God’s church, gather together

            singing praises, seeking God.

When we look at God’s creation

            full of glory – we are awed.

By God’s grace, we tend the planet;

            love creation is our aim.

We will sing God’s praises always,

            we will praise God’s holy name.

(I guess the professor liked it!)