A reworking of an earlier version in an awkward metre, based on prayers used at Durham Cathedral (posted below). Can be sung to any 87 87 D tune, but Abbot's Leigh probably works as well as anything.
Alexander Crawford
Tune: Abbot's Leigh (NEH 185) https://youtu.be/mNPlsM14Bik?si=o4o-7hb7CRl8_bix
On this day, with hosts of heaven,
Bless we great Saint Cuthbert’s name!
By his life God’s love proclaiming,
Sing we of his holy fame.
Glory of this wondrous sanctuary,
Living symbol of our faith;
Pilgrims young and old inspiring,
Drawing hearts to seek God’s grace.
Called from tending sheep by visions,
Pledged his life to serve his Lord;
Blessed with holy gifts of healing,
Lived and taught Christ’s sacred word.
Drawn to solitude and silence,
Sought a life of work and prayer;
Filled with love for God’s creation,
Birds and beasts all in his care.
Called to serve the Church as bishop,
Left his island sanctuary;
Priest and people gently leading,
Showed his Christ by word and deed.
Then, at last, this faithful shepherd
Went to his eternal rest;
Yet, in death, still wonders working—
By his prayers our lives are blessed.
On our pilgrimage, great Father,
Guide us to our heavenly home;
Cuthbert in our hearts, providing
Faith and courage as we go.
Raise in us, O Lord, like Cuthbert,
Gifts of holiness and zeal,
That with joyful praises singing,
Your great love we may reveal.
Collect of St Cuthbert:
Loving Father, whom the whole company of the saints adore: we rejoice with all our hearts in Cuthbert, glory of our sanctuary and ever-living symbol of our apostleship. Help us to follow his example by the simplicity of our lives and by the power of our witness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Durham prayers:
Open our eyes, Lord, to see your glory; open our ears, Lord, to hear your call; open our lips, Lord, to sing your praises. Then guide us on our pilgrimage of faith, that with the memory of Cuthbert in our minds, and the spirit of Cuthbert in our hearts, we may walk with him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and find our freedom in his service; even our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Raise up in us, O Lord Jesus Christ, the spirit of your servant Cuthbert, that loving you above all things, we may grow in holiness, witness with zeal, live in unity with your good creation, and sing with joy the praises of your holy name; to your eternal glory. Amen.
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