Suggested Tune Happy Day (L.M. and refrain) from Wesleyan Sacred Harp [click tune name to play midi]

1. In city life do people live,
or do we try to just survive?
Can there be hope to bring alive
this city dying where we live?

    Hear the Hope! Hear the hope!
Incline your ear and come to me.
Listen to me and you will live!
My precious Self for you I give!
I am Life! I am Hope!
Yes there is hope, just hope in me.

 

2.  And is there more that we can give
the thirsty than the gutter slime?
Is there a reason or a rhyme
that we should in this city live?

     Hear the hope! Hear the hope!
I am the food you really need!
So now: Come, eat! Eat what is good!
And eat for free the richest food!
I am Life! I am Hope!
Yes here is hope, just hope in me.

 

3.  Though some may sleep with cardboard sheets
while some in silk are comforting,
under the shade of our God's wings -
and there alone - all rest complete.

     Hear the hope! Hear the hope!
All weary souls, come rest in me!
If you are weak with heavy loads,
When bare feet ache on hot tar roads,
Rest in me! Rest in me!
Yes here is hope, just rest in me.

 

4.  This city life He brings alive
when in our lives His fruit does show;
So if manure will make us grow
then bring it on, don't let us die!

    Hear the hope! Hear the hope!
I am the Life that lives in you!
Remain in me and you will grow;
my life in you is sure to show!
I am Life! I am Life!
Yes here is hope, remain in me.

Based on Revised Common Lectionary (C) for Lent 3

Isaiah 55:1-9
Psalm 63:1-8
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9