O God who longs to make us whole
A hymn, written by retired Chaplain Michael Forster, celebrating the founding and work of the NHS, written in 1998 for a special service in Leicester Cathedral celebrating the NHS 50th anniversary
Tune: Kingsfold – English traditional melody collected by Lucy Broadwood (1858-1929)
1 |
O God who longs to make us whole in body, spirit, mind,
we praise you for the hopes and dreams you share with humankind:
for those in pow’r whom you inspired to share the nation’s wealth,
that rich and poor alike might know security and health. |
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2 |
We give you thanks for those who strive that knowledge might increase;
for all in office, ward or home whose efforts never cease;
for those who give of wealth or self, who care or who campaign,
and all who bravely watch and wait to share your people’s pain; |
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3* |
for those in countless walks of life who daily work and strive
to keep each other safe and well, and help the weak to thrive;
for those who go beyond the call in myriad other ways,
and keep alive the light of hope in dark and cheerless days. |
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4 |
O give us grace to trust your love when hope remains concealed,
to watch and pray beside the ones who are not swiftly healed.
And grant us faith, when death itself provides its own release,
to trust in your undying love to give them perfect peace. |
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5 |
Give us, O God, your loving zeal to comfort, heal and save,
to care for one another ‘from the cradle to the grave’.
Then north to south, and east to west, let love and hope extend,
until the universe is whole and justice knows no end. |
Michael Forster (B 1946)
© 1998 & 2021 Michael Forster
The text may be reproduced royalty-free for use in worship, as long as authorship and copyright are acknowledged, no alterations are made and this authorisation is printed in full on all copies.
* This new verse was added in 2021 to recognise the efforts and courage of people other than NHS staff during the pandemic