A prophet-woman broke a jar,
By Love’s divine appointing,
With rare perfume she filled the room,
Presiding and anointing.
A prophet-woman broke a jar,
The sneers of scorn defying,
With rare perfume she filled the room,
Preparing Christ for dying.

A faithful woman left a tomb
By Love’s divine commission.
She saw; she heard; she preached the Word,
Arising from submission.
A faithful woman left a tomb,
With resurrection gospel.
She saw; she heard; she preached the Word,
Apostle to apostles.

Though woman-wisdom, woman-truth,
For centuries were hidden,
Unsung, unwritten, and unheard,
Derided and forbidden,
The Spirit’s breath, the Spirit’s fire,
On free and slave descending,
Can tumble our dividing-walls,
Our shame and sadness mending.

The Spirit knows; the Spirit calls,
By Love’s divine ordaining,
The friends we need, to serve and lead,
Their power and gifts unchaining.
The Spirit knows, the Spirit calls,
From women, men, and children,
The friends we need, to serve and lead.
Rejoice, and make them welcome!