A local priest expressed a need for some more appropriate words to fit the tune ‘Jerusalem’ since many couples ask for it at their wedding and the traditional words really aren’t all that appropriate - stirring I grant you, but then lots of things are stirring but you wouldn’t want them sung at a wedding. Well, maybe some would, but . . . look, let’s just not go there, OK?

This text was my response to that request. It could be a wedding hymn but just as easily be sung by any congregation wishing to commit itself to a vision of community life.

Feel free to print and use it, as long as it’s unaltered and the author’s copyright is acknowledged.

And can we hope, dare we believe

we have a s share in love divine,

that lifts our hearts, transforms our lives,

like turning water into wine?

And might we raise our vision high,

and trust the best of who we are,

extend our reach beyond mortal grasp

to catch the light of some great star?

And shall we risk that love is real,

daring to trust another’s heart,

believe the truths no words can frame,

no glorious melody impart?

And can we see beyond the veil

of disappointments, faults and flaws,

to fix our sight beyond eagles’ wings,

where only love eternal soars?

And if these things might truly be,

heav-en-ly love among us stands;

the hope for all we may become

is in the joining of our hands.

So let it be, let us become

a holy human sign of grace,

to ground the future in here and now,

and love divine in time and space.

(c) Michael Forster

December 2008