St Peter and St Paul (to the tune Bunessan - 'Morning has broken')

This hymn has been written for an all-age Eucharist at the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul, West Wittering, England.

1. Thanks for our Patrons, thanks for Saint Peter,
called by the Lakeside, followed you Lord;
shared in your work of teaching and healing,
first to proclaim you, Christ the adored.

2. During your Passion, Peter lost courage:
three times denied he knew his dear Lord.
Wept tears of sorrow, all was forgiven:
Peter the Rock was healed and restored.

3. On Easter Day he found your tomb empty;
later he met you, raised from the dead.
Chief of Apostles, bold in the Spirit,
built up your Church and saw your flock fed.

4. Captured by Herod, chained and in prison,
guards at his side and guards at the door;
then came an angel, led him to safety.
Peter was free, a prisoner no more.

5. Thanks for our Patrons, thank you for Saint Paul;
once fought against you, hated your Name.
Called on the dusty road to Damascus,
past put behind him, past was his shame.

6. Many the journeys, many the dangers:
shipwrecks and robbers, hunger and thirst;
teaching the Gospel, writing his letters,
serving you, Jesus, always came first.

7. Praise to you Lord for Paul and for Peter;
both died as martyrs, brave to the end.
Help us to serve you, living Lord Jesus;
you are our Saviour, Master and Friend.

(Stella Pendleton, West Wittering Patronal Festival, 2012)