Your refuge from the bustle of daily life
© Hanwell Methodist Church
Composed, designed and published by Ray Garnett
Here is our second page of prayers, poems and reflections.
Prayers, Poems and
Reflections
Visitors' Book
If you visit our Church then please fill in our Visitors' Book at the back of the Church. We love to read where people have come from, their messages and comments about our Church.
Service Books and Bibles
If you would like details of the availability of service books and Bibles for use in the Church then please link to our Service Books page.
One of our Church Stewards will be able to put you in contact with our Covenant Secretary.
A Spring Birthday
From hard dark earth fresh shoots appear
As Winter bids farewell
Soon daffodils and tulips sway
As though they long to tell us
"All is new today -
Come live and share this joy.
This miracle of loveliness
For every girl and boy!".
The catkins on the hazel,
Pussy willow, silver soft,
And blackbirds sweetly singing
As they build their nests aloft.
The bustle and music of Springtime
All merge in a glory of green.
And harmony, beauty and sunshine
Bring warmth after Winter so mean.
And all is a prelude to Easter
When the cross held our Saviour so dear.
He who rose from the cold grave in triumph
To teach us we've nothing to fear.
We thank you Lord God for this wonderful world
Ever changing but always alive.
Let us treasure and nurture it wisely
As for its protection we strive.
An Easter poem contributed by Eileen Pratt March 2008
From hard dark earth fresh shoots appear
As Winter bids farewell
Soon daffodils and tulips sway
As though they long to tell us
"All is new today -
Come live and share this joy.
This miracle of loveliness
For every girl and boy!".
The catkins on the hazel,
Pussy willow, silver soft,
And blackbirds sweetly singing
As they build their nests aloft.
The bustle and music of Springtime
All merge in a glory of green.
And harmony, beauty and sunshine
Bring warmth after Winter so mean.
And all is a prelude to Easter
When the cross held our Saviour so dear.
He who rose from the cold grave in triumph
To teach us we've nothing to fear.
We thank you Lord God for this wonderful world
Ever changing but always alive.
Let us treasure and nurture it wisely
As for its protection we strive.
An Easter poem contributed by Eileen Pratt March 2008
The Blackbird
I can't recall the spoken word
Or who was by my side
When the Holy Spirit filled my heart
And God became my guide.
"All in the April evening"
The choir so sweetly sang.
And a shaft of sunlight pierced the gloom
As distant churchbells rang.
And as the last note faded
All was quiet and still
Save the trembling call of a blackbird
As he perched on the windowsill.
'Twas forty years ago I felt the wonder of that night
Yet still the memory moves me
And fills me with delight.
Now when daffodils and tulips dance
And I know my Lord is near
I hear that joyful blackbird
As in my sixteenth year.
Eileen Pratt March 2008
I can't recall the spoken word
Or who was by my side
When the Holy Spirit filled my heart
And God became my guide.
"All in the April evening"
The choir so sweetly sang.
And a shaft of sunlight pierced the gloom
As distant churchbells rang.
And as the last note faded
All was quiet and still
Save the trembling call of a blackbird
As he perched on the windowsill.
'Twas forty years ago I felt the wonder of that night
Yet still the memory moves me
And fills me with delight.
Now when daffodils and tulips dance
And I know my Lord is near
I hear that joyful blackbird
As in my sixteenth year.
Eileen Pratt March 2008
Ode to a Sunday NHS Breakfast!
Everything passes for patients with glasses
And also for patients without,
So though it’s no fun day
I’ll get through this Sunday
Of this there’s no shadow of doubt.
My frail back is aching
As daylight is breaking
But nurses have brought a surprise,
There’s poached egg so sunny
Not solid or runny
And then as I widen my eyes,
I espy beans and bacon
And if not mistaken
Mushrooms appear on my plate
And a sausage so round
Can also be found
Quite timidly waiting his fate.
There’s rich red tomato
And crispy potato
It’s really a welcoming sight,
So I’ll savour with pleasure
Despite rainy weather
This banquet that brings such delight!
Contributed by Eileen Pratt, March 2010 – From her hospital bed
Everything passes for patients with glasses
And also for patients without,
So though it’s no fun day
I’ll get through this Sunday
Of this there’s no shadow of doubt.
My frail back is aching
As daylight is breaking
But nurses have brought a surprise,
There’s poached egg so sunny
Not solid or runny
And then as I widen my eyes,
I espy beans and bacon
And if not mistaken
Mushrooms appear on my plate
And a sausage so round
Can also be found
Quite timidly waiting his fate.
There’s rich red tomato
And crispy potato
It’s really a welcoming sight,
So I’ll savour with pleasure
Despite rainy weather
This banquet that brings such delight!
Contributed by Eileen Pratt, March 2010 – From her hospital bed
