Hymns & Worship Songs
> Hymns and worship songs by Paul are listed below. Click on a title to view texts.
> Hymns and worship songs by Paul are listed below. Click on a title to view texts.
King Of Glory (2009)
Teach Me To Walk On The Water (2008)
Father, Hear The Prayer We Offer (2008)
All That God Gives (2006)
Full Of Unfailing Love (2005)
Your Thoughts Of Me (2005)
The Hope Of Joy Upon Us (2005)
Blesséd Are Those (2005)
Silently, So Silently (2004)
Silent, the long-promised star
held its' flight
over Bethlehem's scandalous birth;
There, in squalor and shame
You relinquished Your might,
bringing glory
to the Lord of heaven and earth!
King of glory, God's great sign
of His love for all mankind.
At the Father's perfect time
You stepped down from Your throne
with great mercy and love to redeem.
Clothed in humility, selfless in love,
You reached out to the poor and despised.
There, rejected and scorned,
yet a servant to all,
seeking justice,
You shone hope 'to lives that were lost.
King of glory, God's great sign
of His love for all mankind.
Fully human, yet divine,
You stepped down from Your throne
with great mercy and love to redeem.
Called by the Father to suffer the cross,
where the sins of humanity lay;
There, in anguish and pain,
You relinquished Your life -
Love restoring broken lives
that You came to save.
Days of death's darkness
till that joyful morn
when in power You abandoned the grave!
There, in glorious triumph,
You overcame death,
winning freedom and new life
for all who believe!
King of glory, raised on high;
sin and shame now crucified;
darkness banished, death defied.
You came down from the cross
with such power.
O, King of glory, raised on high;
sin and shame now crucified;
darkness banished, death defied.
You came down from the cross
and with power defeated the grave!
Copyright © 2009 Paul Hughes
held its' flight
over Bethlehem's scandalous birth;
There, in squalor and shame
You relinquished Your might,
bringing glory
to the Lord of heaven and earth!
King of glory, God's great sign
of His love for all mankind.
At the Father's perfect time
You stepped down from Your throne
with great mercy and love to redeem.
Clothed in humility, selfless in love,
You reached out to the poor and despised.
There, rejected and scorned,
yet a servant to all,
seeking justice,
You shone hope 'to lives that were lost.
King of glory, God's great sign
of His love for all mankind.
Fully human, yet divine,
You stepped down from Your throne
with great mercy and love to redeem.
Called by the Father to suffer the cross,
where the sins of humanity lay;
There, in anguish and pain,
You relinquished Your life -
Love restoring broken lives
that You came to save.
Days of death's darkness
till that joyful morn
when in power You abandoned the grave!
There, in glorious triumph,
You overcame death,
winning freedom and new life
for all who believe!
King of glory, raised on high;
sin and shame now crucified;
darkness banished, death defied.
You came down from the cross
with such power.
O, King of glory, raised on high;
sin and shame now crucified;
darkness banished, death defied.
You came down from the cross
and with power defeated the grave!
Copyright © 2009 Paul Hughes
Teach me to walk on the water
that I might stride across the waves;
living out faith in Your power -
that mountains be moved
and valleys raised.
But when the storms of life surround me,
and the midsts of fear sweep in;
when my doubt obscures my vision -
come, Lord, help me see again.
Oh Lord, Your love
is like the eagle’s wing,
it lifts me up again.
I need Your love.
Oh Lord, Your love
is like the falling rain
refreshing me again.
I need Your love.
Teach me to seek your direction
that I would live as you desire;
neglecting all earthly distractions
to walk in your grace and love and pow’r.
But when my thoughts
turn from your purpose;
or I resist Your calls to change;
when I’m scared of stepping out, Lord,
come and challenge me again.
Oh Lord, Your love
is like a cleansing fire,
restoring me again.
I need Your love.
Oh Lord, Your love
gives me the time to change,
to turn to You again.
I need Your love.
Give me the power
to know Your love for me -
so wide and long and high and deep -
unchanging, even though
my faith may fail.
Lord, take my life
and use it as You choose
to strengthen, comfort, build, renew,
that more and more may see
Your love lived out through me.
Oh Lord, Your love...
Copyright © 2008 Paul Hughes
that I might stride across the waves;
living out faith in Your power -
that mountains be moved
and valleys raised.
But when the storms of life surround me,
and the midsts of fear sweep in;
when my doubt obscures my vision -
come, Lord, help me see again.
Oh Lord, Your love
is like the eagle’s wing,
it lifts me up again.
I need Your love.
Oh Lord, Your love
is like the falling rain
refreshing me again.
I need Your love.
Teach me to seek your direction
that I would live as you desire;
neglecting all earthly distractions
to walk in your grace and love and pow’r.
But when my thoughts
turn from your purpose;
or I resist Your calls to change;
when I’m scared of stepping out, Lord,
come and challenge me again.
Oh Lord, Your love
is like a cleansing fire,
restoring me again.
I need Your love.
Oh Lord, Your love
gives me the time to change,
to turn to You again.
I need Your love.
Give me the power
to know Your love for me -
so wide and long and high and deep -
unchanging, even though
my faith may fail.
Lord, take my life
and use it as You choose
to strengthen, comfort, build, renew,
that more and more may see
Your love lived out through me.
Oh Lord, Your love...
Copyright © 2008 Paul Hughes
This is an old hymn; I augmented it with an extra verse (v.2) for our wedding in July 2008. We sing it to the tune 'White' which I wrote and which is published in Janet Wootton's 'Eagle's Wings And Lesser Things' (Stainer & Bell, 2007).
Father, hear the prayer we offer -
not for ease our prayer shall be,
but for strength that we may ever
live our lives courageously.
Not for ever in green pastures
do we ask our way to be;
but the steep and rugged pathway
may we tread rejoicingly.
Let us live by Your perspective
Whether life brings joy or pain;
Serving others with compassion,
Never seeking selfish gain.
Lord, forever take the centre
Of our actions, words and thoughts.
Make us rich in grace and mercy,
So our lives reflect Your love.
Not for ever by still waters
would we idly rest and stay;
but would strike the living fountains
from the rocks along our way. Be our strength in hours of weakness,
in our wanderings be our guide;
through endeavour, failure, danger,
Father, be there at our side.
Love M. Willis (1824-1908)
except verse 2:
Copyright © Paul Hughes 2008
Father, hear the prayer we offer -
not for ease our prayer shall be,
but for strength that we may ever
live our lives courageously.
Not for ever in green pastures
do we ask our way to be;
but the steep and rugged pathway
may we tread rejoicingly.
Let us live by Your perspective
Whether life brings joy or pain;
Serving others with compassion,
Never seeking selfish gain.
Lord, forever take the centre
Of our actions, words and thoughts.
Make us rich in grace and mercy,
So our lives reflect Your love.
Not for ever by still waters
would we idly rest and stay;
but would strike the living fountains
from the rocks along our way. Be our strength in hours of weakness,
in our wanderings be our guide;
through endeavour, failure, danger,
Father, be there at our side.
Love M. Willis (1824-1908)
except verse 2:
Copyright © Paul Hughes 2008
All that God gives is ours by grace -
our time, our energy and wealth;
with grateful hearts we sacrifice
our skills and riches for His work.
Devoted to our Father's heart
we seek and listen for his voice:
Safe on His path we need not fear
so in faithfulness, we'll serve Him.
The world around is changing fast:
we must not waver or delay -
align our hearts, commit our lives,
and follow God - His hope convey.
In Christ, engage with young and old,
build bridges out to captive souls;
Live out God's love, His light and grace
so that all the world may know Him.
Rise up, O church, embrace God's call -
in faith, His Kingdom we must build:
Relying on the Spirit's pow'r
we will step out - an army bold.
Communities will be transformed,
those who were lost will then be found:
God's perfect peace will rest on all,
and in harmony we'll praise Him!
Copyright © 2006 Paul Hughes
our time, our energy and wealth;
with grateful hearts we sacrifice
our skills and riches for His work.
Devoted to our Father's heart
we seek and listen for his voice:
Safe on His path we need not fear
so in faithfulness, we'll serve Him.
The world around is changing fast:
we must not waver or delay -
align our hearts, commit our lives,
and follow God - His hope convey.
In Christ, engage with young and old,
build bridges out to captive souls;
Live out God's love, His light and grace
so that all the world may know Him.
Rise up, O church, embrace God's call -
in faith, His Kingdom we must build:
Relying on the Spirit's pow'r
we will step out - an army bold.
Communities will be transformed,
those who were lost will then be found:
God's perfect peace will rest on all,
and in harmony we'll praise Him!
Copyright © 2006 Paul Hughes
Born in great humility
amidst scandal, shame and fear
came our Lord, the Prince of Peace -
shining light that will not cease -
the breath of life made flesh.
Stepping down from heaven’s throne
he renounced his majesty.
Perfect God in child’s frame:
angels sing their glad refrain
of peace born to people of God.
Full of unfailing love and faithfulness -
compassion of God in Christ revealed;
coming to us to mend this broken world
so that we might live.
Christ whose hands formed earth and skies
and whose breath brings life to all
born to us as Son of Man -
fully human yet divine -
to serve us as a slave.
Hands that washed disciples’ feet,
later torn in agony;
breath of life - seized by death -
freeing us from sinfulness -
to make us true children of God.
Full of unfailing love and faithfulness -
the glory of God in Christ revealed;
giving His life to break the power of sin
so that we might live.
Full of unfailing love and faithfulness -
the power of God in Christ revealed;
conquering death to bring eternal life
so that we might live!
Copyright © 2005 Paul Hughes
amidst scandal, shame and fear
came our Lord, the Prince of Peace -
shining light that will not cease -
the breath of life made flesh.
Stepping down from heaven’s throne
he renounced his majesty.
Perfect God in child’s frame:
angels sing their glad refrain
of peace born to people of God.
Full of unfailing love and faithfulness -
compassion of God in Christ revealed;
coming to us to mend this broken world
so that we might live.
Christ whose hands formed earth and skies
and whose breath brings life to all
born to us as Son of Man -
fully human yet divine -
to serve us as a slave.
Hands that washed disciples’ feet,
later torn in agony;
breath of life - seized by death -
freeing us from sinfulness -
to make us true children of God.
Full of unfailing love and faithfulness -
the glory of God in Christ revealed;
giving His life to break the power of sin
so that we might live.
Full of unfailing love and faithfulness -
the power of God in Christ revealed;
conquering death to bring eternal life
so that we might live!
Copyright © 2005 Paul Hughes
Your thoughts of me - how beautiful! -
I’ll never comprehend
how daily they outnumber
every single grain of sand.
I can’t hide from Your presence,
for ev’rywhere I go You’re near.
My life’s an open book -
its pages written by Your hand.
You knit me in the womb,
I am exactly as you planned.
You’ve laid Your hand upon me,
this is too wonderful to know!
If I climb up to the sky
You are there,
If I fall down to the the darkest depths
in anguish and despair
still You are there,
sustaining me
You lead me in Your way,
You are there, You are there!
Hold me close, don’t let me go,
Your love for me is more than I can know
As high as the heavens are above the earth
so Your love for me never fails!
You sculpted me from nothing and
You know me through and through.
In every day that dawns,
my path ahead is planned by You.
Your mighty strength upholds me;
Your hand is always there to guide.
Your presence, inescapable,
I cannot flee Your sight;
I’d sail the furthest oceans
and in darkness find Your light.
If waves crashed around me
Your love would hold me secure.
If I climb up to the sky
You are there,
If I fall down to the the darkest depths
in anguish and despair
still You are there,
sustaining me
You lead me in Your way,
You are there, You are there!
Hold me close, don’t let me go,
Your love for me is more than I can know
As high as the heavens are above the earth
so Your love for me never fails!
Psalm 139
© Copyright Paul Hughes 2005
I’ll never comprehend
how daily they outnumber
every single grain of sand.
I can’t hide from Your presence,
for ev’rywhere I go You’re near.
My life’s an open book -
its pages written by Your hand.
You knit me in the womb,
I am exactly as you planned.
You’ve laid Your hand upon me,
this is too wonderful to know!
If I climb up to the sky
You are there,
If I fall down to the the darkest depths
in anguish and despair
still You are there,
sustaining me
You lead me in Your way,
You are there, You are there!
Hold me close, don’t let me go,
Your love for me is more than I can know
As high as the heavens are above the earth
so Your love for me never fails!
You sculpted me from nothing and
You know me through and through.
In every day that dawns,
my path ahead is planned by You.
Your mighty strength upholds me;
Your hand is always there to guide.
Your presence, inescapable,
I cannot flee Your sight;
I’d sail the furthest oceans
and in darkness find Your light.
If waves crashed around me
Your love would hold me secure.
If I climb up to the sky
You are there,
If I fall down to the the darkest depths
in anguish and despair
still You are there,
sustaining me
You lead me in Your way,
You are there, You are there!
Hold me close, don’t let me go,
Your love for me is more than I can know
As high as the heavens are above the earth
so Your love for me never fails!
Psalm 139
© Copyright Paul Hughes 2005
The hope of joy upon us,
salvation close at hand,
to those who love and serve You,
You unveil hidden plans:
Your perfect Incarnation,
in squalor, was foretold;
bright light that pierced the darkness -
hope for a broken world.
The marks of Jesus’ teaching
were justice, love and grace:
With open arms He welcomed
the outcast and oppressed.
He washed the feet of sinners,
brought healing to the lost;
in love He bids us follow
by taking up our cross.
Despite our sinful nature -
our envy, hate and greed -
the promise of Your Kingdom
stands for all who believe.
This glorious gift is offered
to every race and tongue;
by seeking your forgiveness
in faith, we are made one.
The hands that broke my shackles
were pierced with cruel nails.
Your cross and resurrection:
our lifeline that prevails.
Your gift of full redemption,
is ours through wondrous grace
and never-ending mercy -
we can but give You praise!
Isaiah 56: 1+6-8 / Matthew 15: 10-28
Suggested tune: Ewing
Copyright © Paul Hughes 2005
salvation close at hand,
to those who love and serve You,
You unveil hidden plans:
Your perfect Incarnation,
in squalor, was foretold;
bright light that pierced the darkness -
hope for a broken world.
The marks of Jesus’ teaching
were justice, love and grace:
With open arms He welcomed
the outcast and oppressed.
He washed the feet of sinners,
brought healing to the lost;
in love He bids us follow
by taking up our cross.
Despite our sinful nature -
our envy, hate and greed -
the promise of Your Kingdom
stands for all who believe.
This glorious gift is offered
to every race and tongue;
by seeking your forgiveness
in faith, we are made one.
The hands that broke my shackles
were pierced with cruel nails.
Your cross and resurrection:
our lifeline that prevails.
Your gift of full redemption,
is ours through wondrous grace
and never-ending mercy -
we can but give You praise!
Isaiah 56: 1+6-8 / Matthew 15: 10-28
Suggested tune: Ewing
Copyright © Paul Hughes 2005
Blesséd are those who trust in the Father -
freed from sin’s pow’r by His Spirit of life,
death is defeated, all evil confounded,
no condemnation for all who have faith.
Blesséd are those who live in Christ Jesus:
God’s given Son, crucified in our place,
offering Himself for the ransom of many,
opening wide the great floodgates of grace.
Blesséd are those who live by the Spirit,
fixing their minds on things holy and true,
lives filled with peace, and a joy everlasting,
cleansed and forgiven, accepted, renewed.
10 10 11 10
Suggested tune: Epiphany
Copyright © 2005 Paul Hughes
freed from sin’s pow’r by His Spirit of life,
death is defeated, all evil confounded,
no condemnation for all who have faith.
Blesséd are those who live in Christ Jesus:
God’s given Son, crucified in our place,
offering Himself for the ransom of many,
opening wide the great floodgates of grace.
Blesséd are those who live by the Spirit,
fixing their minds on things holy and true,
lives filled with peace, and a joy everlasting,
cleansed and forgiven, accepted, renewed.
10 10 11 10
Suggested tune: Epiphany
Copyright © 2005 Paul Hughes
Silently, so silently
the prophets' words fulfilled;
not with fanfare or salute,
the promised King is born.
Innocent, so innocent,
wrapped in his mother's arms,
angels bow and call his name:
Immanuel - "God with us".
Bringing peace into the world:
yes, this child will rule the world.
In a manger, swathed in cloth,
the baby lies asleep,
not knowing what the future holds -
the pain that lies ahead.
Eyes of mercy, hands of grace,
Creator God made flesh -
watch helplessly; reach powerlessly,
as a babe - and on the cross.
Bringing light into the world:
yes, this child will rule the world.
Bringing joy into the world:
yes, this child - he made the world.
Copyright © 2004 Paul Hughes
the prophets' words fulfilled;
not with fanfare or salute,
the promised King is born.
Innocent, so innocent,
wrapped in his mother's arms,
angels bow and call his name:
Immanuel - "God with us".
Bringing peace into the world:
yes, this child will rule the world.
In a manger, swathed in cloth,
the baby lies asleep,
not knowing what the future holds -
the pain that lies ahead.
Eyes of mercy, hands of grace,
Creator God made flesh -
watch helplessly; reach powerlessly,
as a babe - and on the cross.
Bringing light into the world:
yes, this child will rule the world.
Bringing joy into the world:
yes, this child - he made the world.
Copyright © 2004 Paul Hughes