We Are Not Our Own

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

Lyrics as Poetry

We are not our own. Earth forms us,
human leaves on nature’s growing vine,
fruit of many generations,
seeds of life divine.

We are not alone. Earth names us:
past and present, peoples near and far,
family and friends and strangers
show us who we are.

Through a human life God finds us;
dying, living, love is fully known,
and in bread and wine reminds us:
we are not our own.

Therefore let us make thanksgiving,
and with justice, willing and aware,
give to earth, and all things living,
liturgies of care.

And if love’s encounters lead us
on a way uncertain and unknown,
all the saints with prayer surround us:
We are not alone.

Let us be a house of welcome,
living stone upholding living stone,
gladly showing all our neighbors
we are not our own!


Words by
Brian WrenCopyright © 1989 by Hope Publishing Company
(Carol Stream, Illinois) for USA,
Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Copyright © 1989 by Stainer & Bell Limited
(London, England) for all other territories

Scripture References

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
  • Hebrews 12:1-2
  • 1 Peter 2:4-5

Season, Theme
or Subject

  • Celebration
  • Christian∶ life
  • Communion
  • Creation∶ care of
  • Creation∶ gift of
  • Earth, Earth Day
  • Ecology
  • Environment (care of)
  • Eucharist
  • Lent
  • Life∶ living life
  • Life∶ loving life
  • Nature
  • Saints
  • Thanksgiving∶  offering thanks
  • Witness

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