NeuroDivine

Hymns | Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4,12-16; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32 | Proper 21 Year A | 27 September 2026

1. 
By Barrow's waters, bright and deep,
Where mist veils dawn's first light,
We hear the faith of ancient days
Still singing through the night.

2. 
The rock once struck in desert lands
Released the hidden stream;
So grace flows out through thirsty hearts
Beyond all we can dream.

3. 
Through willow shade and swan-filled bends,
Past meadow, thorn and tree,
The river tells of God's deep love,
Unbound, eternal, free.

4. 
In quiet places of the earth,
Where heaven nears the sod,
The curlew's call, the blackbird's song,
Speak softly of our God.

5. 
Christ Jesus chose the lowly path
And laid His glory down;
The King of stars wore servant's form
Before He wore the crown.

6. 
Not all who say, "Lord, Lord," obey
The word their lips proclaim;
But blessed are the hearts that turn
And walk in Jesus' name.

7. 
As pilgrims by the Barrow's side
We seek the living way;
The holy fire of love and truth
To guide our steps each day.

8. 
And when the river meets the sea,
And time itself is done,
We'll join the saints in light and peace,
Made one in Christ the Son.

Reflection

By Barrow’s Waters

The people of Israel arrive at a barren place longing for water.

Their fear is understandable. The landscape around them offers little comfort. Questions rise as quickly as their thirst: Will there be enough? Has God brought us this far only to leave us here?

We may recognise something of ourselves in that story.

There are seasons when the world feels demanding and uncertain. We search for firm ground beneath our feet. We long for clarity, for rest, for some sign that we are not making the journey alone.

Yet God does not wait for perfect faith before responding.

Water flows from the rock.

The miracle at Horeb reminds us that God often provides from the places where we least expect it. What appears hard and lifeless becomes a source of blessing. What seems barren becomes abundant.

Walking beside the River Barrow, it is not difficult to imagine such a truth. The river moves steadily through meadow and reed, beneath changing skies and shifting seasons. It does not hurry. It simply continues, carrying life wherever it goes.

Psalm 78 calls God’s people to remember.

The great acts of God are not given merely for one generation. They are stories to be carried, retold, and treasured. Like the river itself, memory flows onward.

Perhaps faith is often formed in this way.

A place remembered.

A prayer once answered.

A moment of unexpected peace.

The call of a curlew across the fields.

The sight of mist rising from the water at dawn.

Small things become holy when they remind us that God has been present all along.

The hymn speaks of those quiet places where “heaven nears the sod”. The old Celtic Christians spoke of thin places, where the distance between heaven and earth seems almost transparent. Not because God is more present there than elsewhere, but because we become more attentive to His presence.

The Barrow can be such a place.

A riverbank, a stand of willow, the movement of swans across still water. These moments invite us to slow down and listen.

In Philippians, Paul points us towards Christ, who chose the humble path. He did not grasp at power or privilege but emptied Himself in love. In a world that often admires success, speed, and certainty, Christ reveals another way: gentleness, service, and faithfulness.

Then the Gospel presses the question further.

The second son in the parable initially refuses his father’s request, yet later goes and does what was asked. His words and actions do not match at first, but grace works within him and changes his direction.

That is a hopeful truth.

God does not demand perfection. He invites response.

Again and again, we are given the chance to turn towards Him.

The River Barrow teaches a similar lesson. It bends and curves through the landscape. It rarely follows a straight line. Yet it remains faithful to its destination.

So too with the life of faith.

There may be twists and uncertainties. There may be seasons of questioning and thirst. Yet the grace that flowed from the rock still flows through God’s world. The Christ who walked the servant’s path still walks beside His people.

And in the quiet places, where water meets sky and birdsong fills the morning air, we may hear once more the ancient promise:

God is here.

The river is still flowing.

And we are still being led home.

Prayer

Living God,

when we thirst in the wilderness, be our fountain of refreshment.

When we struggle to see the way ahead, be our guiding light.

Give us attentive hearts to recognise Your presence in river and meadow, in birdsong and silence, in memory and hope.

Teach us the humble way of Christ, that our lives may reflect Your love and faithfulness.

And as the Barrow journeys towards the sea, lead us day by day towards the fullness of Your Kingdom.

Amen

Hymn information 

First line: By Barrow’s water, bright and deep
Text: Michael McFarland Campbell
Metre: CM
Tune: Bangor, Ballerma
Theme: Proper 21 Year A
Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4,12-16; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32
NDH-0345

© Michael McFarland Campbell. 2026. 
Permission granted for local church or parish use with attribution. Not for commercial reproduction.