Tune: O Waly Waly (Welsh folk tune) — also known as The Water Is Wide
(listen to James Taylor’s performance of it)
Use freely, with attribution.
For deeper love we spread the bread
I won’t be full till all are fed
Till every soul has home and bed
The rest of us can’t move ahead
For deeper love we share the wine
I cannot taste the love divine
Till every soul has walked the line
And you’ve had yours like I’ve had mine
Now Mary sings her birthing song
Till every voice can sing along
And voices weak will rise up strong
Her choir is one where all belong
No one is saved till all are healed
As Jesus on the Mount revealed
Your life and mine forever sealed
Just like the lilies of the field
We follow where the Christ has led
To table that for all is spread
And no one’s sitting at the head
But deeper love in wine and bread
Jim Burklo, Associate Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California, writes progressive prayers, hymns and other worship items. Many of his liturgical materials can be found in his book “Birdlike and Barnless: Meditations, Prayers, and Songs for Progressive Christians” (2008, St Johann Press). Explore his blog for more words for worship.
