Singing the Living Tradition ‎#164

164. The Peace Not Past Our Understanding

1 The peace not past our understanding
falls like light upon the soft white tablecloth
at winter supper warm between four walls,
a thing too simple to be tried as truth.

2 Not scholar’s calm, nor gift of church or state,
nor everlasting date of death’s release;
but careless noon, the houses lighted late,
harvest and holiday: the people’s peace.

3 Days into years, the doorways worn at sill,
years into lives, the plans for long increase
come true at last for those of God’s good will:
these are the things we mean by saying, Peace.

Text Information

• First Line: The peace not past our understanding
• Title: The Peace Not Past Our Understanding
• Author: John Holmes, 1904-1962
• Meter: 10.10.10.10.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Words and Deeds of Prophetic Women and Men: Peace; Serenity

Tune Information

• Name: SURSUM CORDA
• Composer: Alfred Morton Smith, 1879-1971
• Meter: 10.10.10.10.
• Key: D Major
• Copyright: © Church of the Ascension, Atlantic City, New Jersey