152
Earth's Scattered Isles and Contoured Hills
1. Earth's scattered isles and contoured hills
Which part the seas and mold the land,
And vistas newly seen from space
That show a world awesome and grand,
All wondrously unite to sing:
Take heart, take hope, the Lord is King!
2. God's judgment passed on social ills
That thwart awhile divine intent,
The flagging dreams of weary folk
Whose brave new world lies torn and rent,
In painful form their message bring:
Take heart, take hope, the Lord is King!
3. The constant care which Israel knew
Alike in faith and faithlessness,
The subtle providence which guides
A pilgrim church through change and stress,
Inspire us gratefully to sing:
Take heart, take hope, the Lord is King!
4. The light which shines through noble acts,
The quest for truth dispelling lies,
The grace of Christ renewed in us
So love lives on and discord dies,
All blend their song, good news to bring:
Take heart, take hope, the Lord is King!
WORDS: Para. Jeffrey Rowthorn, 1974
MUSIC: Walter Pelz, 1977 Adapt. W. Thomas Jones, 1980
Scripture: Psalm 97
Theme: Christ the King/Ascension