There is a presence here and now;

A presence with us all;

A presence when we’re trav’ling high;

A presence when we fall.

We know not whence it comes or how;

It pacifies our soul;

In grief or gloom this presence brings

A calm that can console.

When we reject ‘the self’ within

And guilt can reign supreme

This presence is a source of love

To comfort and redeem.

When joy comes by to cheer our path

This presence fills our heart;

When wonderment, thanksgiving swells

Despair and woe depart.

There is a presence here and now;

A presence we can feel;

It re-creates, renews, restores;

So present and so real.

George Stuart has several self-published volumes of new lyrics to well-known hymn tunes.  Check out his website at sites.google.com/site/george007site or email him at george.stuart@exemail.com.au