David Stevenson is a man with an energy and passion for life that belies his 72 years. David is involved with a wide range of community activities along with his wife, Elaine, and between them they have contributed several items for this section of our website.
Underlying David's energy is a deep-rooted faith, although David is swift to challenge religious orthodoxy. His faith, he says, has become stronger as his certainty has diminished, a paradox which will, perhaps, be recognised by those who seek to separate the essential all-pervading principles of spirituality from the established 'rulebooks.'
David has written a number of hymns to deliver his message, and on reading them one is struck by their appropriateness for the modern age. David's efforts earned him a recent appearance on the BBC "Songs of Praise "programme, as one of a group of modern hymn writers who are carrying on long traditions with a contemporary angle. We are pleased to reproduce one of them here, and hope that you enjoy it. If you would like to receive a copy of David's latest anthology of his published hymns, please contact us and we'll be delighted to put you in touch with him.
Tune: Abbot’s Leigh, Cyril V Taylor (1907-91)
1. Boundless love in all creation,
Source and pulse of human life,
Unseen hope of every nation,
Healer of disease and strife;
You are rich beyond our dreaming,
Bursting forth in sacred mirth,
Light and colour gaily streaming
Through the dull affairs of earth.
2. Doctrines, creeds and forms of worship
Dimly focus our belief,
Falter lamely after Lordship,
Bringing groping minds relief.
For no concept can contain you,
You are greater than them all;
And the rules we make to bind you
Hold ourselves, not God, in thrall.
3. Love and mercy, grace and healing
In a thousand forms we find;
You have countless ways of dealing
With the quest of humankind.
World religions trace the story:
Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Jew,
Each has caught a glimpse of glory;
All have heard a word from you.
4. Ever growing in our learning
From the folk of other creeds,
May we humbly with discerning
Follow where the Spirit leads.
Banish fears and indecision,
Fruitful dialogue afford;
Bid us share the priceless vision
We have seen in Christ our Lord!
© David Stevenson 2010