broadcast & believe

CMT friend, Mark Rudall, has prompted memory of a song by John Bell that helpfully expresses the faith dimension of broadcasting the Christian message. John Bell introduced this at the Churches' Media Council conference in 1999.

It says lots, very eloquently. Let it speak for itself ...

1. O God, by whose express command
all that exists first came to be,
whose will, transmitted silently,
gave birth to land and sky and sea,
we ask your guidance to fulfil
our craft, creativeness and skill.

2. O Christ, with simplest eloquence,
you came that all might understand
the gospel, through the common touch
in human speech, of human hand.
Help us discern and make our choice,
words in which all can hear your voice.

3. O Holy Spirit, by whose power
confused disciples found their nerve,
and preached, with such convincing joy
that countless converts thronged to serve,
inspire our faith till we conceive
how best to broadcast and believe.

4. Equip us, Holy Trinity,
to show your purpose for our day,
and shape our message to affirm
the gospel truth and life and way.
Yet always let our finest word
be one of love for you, our Lord.

(c) John Bell

Oh - and it's to the tune of ‘Eternal Father, strong to save’