By the wellsprings of the Barrow
By the wellsprings of the Barrow,
where the heron waits in still,
You, O Christ, anoint the chosen,
calling hearts to meet Your will.
Not by stature, strength, or seeming,
but by truth the heart reveals;
You who saw the shepherd David
see the wound the world conceals.
Through the shadowed glens You guide us,
Shepherd Christ of gentle hand;
otter, deer, and curlew teach us
how Your quiet mercies stand.
When the night is deep around us,
still Your lantern leads us on;
in the darkness You awaken
paths of hope before the dawn.
Once in blindness we were wandering,
lost in fog of fear and pride;
yet Your healing spring flowed toward us,
opened eyes we tried to hide.
Light of Ephesus’ bright calling,
“Wake, O sleeper, rise and see!”
Christ, the Sun upon our hillside,
shines with grace that sets us free.
From the clay of earth You lift us,
shape us for Your living art;
as the salmon seeks the waters,
draw us to Your pilgrim heart.
Send us forth as children walking
in the light that cannot fade;
till the valleys bloom with justice,
and all hearts in peace are made.
Hymn information
First line: By the wellsprings of the Barrow
Text: Michael McFarland Campbell
Metre: 87 87 D
Theme: Lent 4 – Year A
Reflection
“By the Wellsprings of the Barrow” is a hymn of calling, healing, and sending. Rooted in the imagery of river, hillside, and glen, it draws on the biblical story of David’s anointing, the healing of the blind man, and the awakening call of Ephesians:
“Wake, O sleeper, and rise from the dead,
Ephesians 5:14
and Christ will shine on you.”
Set within a Celtic landscape—where heron, salmon, and curlew share the valleys—the hymn reflects a sacramental vision of creation: the natural world becomes a witness to Christ’s quiet mercies. The Shepherd who once chose David now sees the hidden wounds of the world. The Light who opened blind eyes still leads pilgrims through shadowed paths. The Potter who formed humanity from clay continues shaping lives into vessels of justice and peace.
This hymn moves from anointing to guidance, from healing to mission. It invites the singer to awaken, to walk in the unfading light of Christ, and to become part of God’s renewing work—until valleys bloom with justice and hearts are made whole.
draw us to Your pilgrim heart.”
Copyright
© Michael McFarland Campbell. 2026.
Permission granted for local church or parish use with attribution. Not for commercial reproduction.
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