I’ve got a few bits and pieces posts to do after all the David Haas posts.
I met the delightful Michael Herry briefly at the APMN conference. He distributed this song, the text of which speaks for itself.
1. Here we stand in silent witness to the church we love and name.
Hearing pleas of children’s voices, for our part in sin and shame.
Father we have hurt so deeply; trust betrayed, dark secrets kept.
Now the truth cries out in daylight. Tears of old, now freely wept.2. Stir in us a deep compassion, firm resolve to heal the past.
Help us understand the darkness, lest again it comes to pass.
Lord we pray for those so wounded, hear the cry of victims’ pain.
Help us seek the path of justice. Help us see the light again.3. Finding hope in Jesus’ promise, ‘I am with you. Do not fear.’
Striving on through storm and struggle, knowing still our God is near.
Loving God, your mercy send, and like the fires that rake this land.
May new life in wondrous colour, through the ashes bloom again.4. Repeat 1.
Here we stand in silent witness to the church we love and name.
Hearing pleas of children’s voices, for our part in sin and shame.
Father we have hurt so deeply; trust betrayed, dark secrets kept.
Now the truth cries out in daylight. Tears of old, now freely wept.
© 2013 Michael Herry fms
He has made the sheet music and lyrics freely available here along with commentary and a streaming music file.