Gathered by a Greater Purpose

Music by Ron Klusmeier
Words by Brian Wren
Tune Name: SAUNDERS

Lyrics as Poetry

Gathered by a greater purpose,
higher than our highest aims,
wider than the far horizon,
deeper than all other claims,
Christ our Savior, as we gather
power and blessing to receive,
may our worship tell with gladness
what we inwardly believe.Give us now your living Spirit,
finding, waking in this place,
unpredicted, unsuspected
gift and ministries of grace.
Called and cherished, each believer
bears the seed of life divine.
Tend our growth and make us fruitful,
branches of your living vine.Through the landscape of the future,
guide us on a hopeful road.
Feed us, Bread of Life, and nurture
strength to ease our neighbour’s load.
May the world that hears our witness
see the pattern that you weave
and, in us, your thankful people,
feel your presence, and believe.

Optional Stanza 2 for British contexts:

Long ago your loving purpose
claimed and called us in this land.
Saints and martyrs sing around us.
On their rock of faith we stand.
Help us, from our best traditions
timely wisdom to retrieve,
till our life and work embody
what we inwardly believe.

Words by
Brian WrenCopyright © 1996 by Hope Publishing Company
(Carol Stream, Illinois) for USA,
Canada, Australia and New Zealand.Copyright © 1996 by Stainer & Bell Limited
(London, England) for all other territories


Audio Sample for
"Gathered By
a Greater Purpose"

One verse played on piano

Scripture References

  • John 6:35
  • John 17:21

Season, Theme
or Subject

  • Church∶ worship
  • Commissioning
  • Discipleship
  • Gifts & Talents
  • Justice, Human Rights
  • Lent
  • Mission
  • National Occasions∶ United Kingdom
  • Offering, Offertory
  • Saints
  • Sustenance
  • Tradition∶  honouring tradition
  • Worship

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