Benedicta Ward

Benedicta Ward (b. 1935) is an English religious scholar and hymnwriter who has made significant contributions to modern Christian hymnody within Anglo-Catholic and ecumenical traditions. Her hymn texts reflect deep theological learning and a commitment to making contemporary worship accessible while maintaining liturgical integrity. Ward's work is characterized by poetic sensitivity and scholarly rigor, bridging traditional church music with modern sensibilities. She has been active in ecumenical hymnody projects and has influenced the development of Anglican and broader Christian worship resources. Her contributions represent an important continuation of the English hymn-writing tradition in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.

Hymn Texts (18)

• Father of Heaven Whose Love Profound (1805) · C.M.
• My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less (1834) · L.M. with refrain
• Come Holy Ghost Creator Blest (1849)
• See Amid the Winter's Snow (1858) · 8.7.8.7
• When Morning Gilds the Skies (1858) · 7.6.7.6.7.6.7.6
• Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying (1860) · 7.7.7.7.7.7
• Battle Hymn of the Republic (1861) · 15.15.15.6 with refrain
• Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old (1864) · C.M.
• Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart (1865) · S.M. with refrain
• Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart (1865) · S.M. with refrain
• Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me (1871) · 8.7.8.7
• Lord Who at Cana's Wedding-Feast (1894) · L.M. (8.8.8.8)
• This Joyful Eastertide (1902) · 7.7.7.7 with refrain
• God Whose Giving Knows No Ending (1961) · 8.7.8.7 D
• Be Strong in the Lord (1976) · 8.7.8.7.8.8
• We Have a Gospel to Proclaim (1980) · 8.7.8.7
• Baptized in Water (1981) · L.M. (8.8.8.8)
• All You Works of the Lord (1984) · Irregular