PORTSMOUTH ORDINATION HYMN
Christ ascended, Holy Spirit,
Father over all,
by your grace that knows no limit
we have heard your call!
You the singer, you the song,
to you belong eternal praise.
Lord, your servants heed your calling:
‘Here am I, send me.’
and your Church, the call confirming,
prays expectantly.
Refrain
Set apart your chosen vessels,
holy each one stands,
made of clay, yet each one nestles
in your priestly hands.
Refrain
Aweful charge to each is given;
teach, convict, forgive:
aweful love, the breath of heaven,
each ordained to live.
Refrain
Give the servants of the servants
feet to wash and dry,
teach them, wise and busy merchants,
where the pearl can lie.
Refrain
‘See the kingdom is upon you’,
let it be their theme:
let them reach beyond the tissue
of our selfish dream.
Refrain
And to all your holy servants
give your heavenly grace,
that we all may handle serpents
gazing on your face.
Refrain
Ian Jagger (b. 1955)
Tune: Guiting Power
