THE GOD OF ABRAHAM PRAISE

Hebrew original: Daniel Ben Yehudah (14th century)

English version: © Renato Lings 2006

With thanks to Thomas Olivers and George P. Simmonds

The God of Abraham praise

Lift up His holy name

Who was and is and evermore

Shall be the same

The one eternal God

All heaven and earth did create

The First, the Last, the Being Supreme

Now celebrate!

His spirit flowing free

High surging where it will
Prophetic words it spoke of old

And speaketh still
Established is its law

And ageless it shall stand
Writ deep upon the human heart

On sea and land.

His spark of life God has

Implanted in each soul
His love shall be our strength and stay

While ages roll
Sing praises to your God

Creator of eternal fame

The First, the Last, Unique: lift up

His holy name!

MY LOVE SHALL BE FOR YOU

Spanish Original: Amarte sólo a Ti, Señor

English Version: © Renato Lings 2007

 My love shall be for you, my Lord

 My love shall be for you, my Lord

 My love shall be for you, my Lord

 I never will look back.

 I’ll follow in your footsteps, Lord

 I’ll follow without fainting, Lord

 I’ll bow down at your altar, Lord

 I never will look back.

 I will keep close to you, my Lord

 Carry the cross with you, my Lord

 I will keep close to you, my Lord

 I never will look back.

 The children I'll protect, my Lord

 The weak I will sustain, my Lord

 The stranger I will welcome, Lord

 I never will look back.  

Hymns Translated

K. Renato Lings ©

WE DARE TO KEEP ON HOPING

(Tenemos esperanza)

Spanish original: Federico Pagura (Argentina)

English version: © Renato Lings, 2007

With thanks to Gary Hall, George Lockwood, and Nicola Slee.

 One

 Because Christ came to share the human journey

 Because he broke the silence of our sorrow

 Because he filled the whole earth with his glory

 Because his light dispelled the darkest shadow

 Because his birth was in a lowly manger

 Because he radiated love and healing

 Because he caused the hearts of stone to tremble

 And lifted out of anguish the despondent.

REFRAIN

Because of Christ we dare to keep on hoping

Today we struggle with renewed endurance

Today we trust in him as we are facing

What lies ahead for us upon this planet

Because of Christ we dare to keep on hoping

Today we struggle with renewed endurance

Today we trust in him as we are facing

What lies ahead.

 Two

 Because he dared confront the greedy merchants

 And spoke against hypocrisy and evil

 Because he dignified each child and woman

 And cast aside the arrogant and haughty

 Because he bore the cross of all our sorrow

 And drank the bitter cup of our afflictions

 Because he would embrace our condemnation

 So as to die for every mortal person.

 Three

 Because one early morning saw his victory

 As he defeated death and fear and falsehood

 Because he slakes our thirst with living water

 His kingdom now is drawing ever closer

 Because he calls the humble to his presence

 To share the grace of his eternal spirit

 Because his joy empowers our existence

 To him belong the honour and the glory.