“Faith of Our Fathers” (ELW 812)
Devotion
Faith of our fathers, living still
in spite of dungeon, fire, and sword.
Oh, how our hearts beat high with joy
whene'er we hear that glorious word.
Refrain
Faith of our fathers, holy faith,
we will be true to you till death.
The martyrs, chained in prisons dark,
were still in heart and conscience free;
and blest would be their children's fate
if they, like them, should die for thee. Refrain
Faith of our fathers! We will love
both friend and foe in all our strife;
proclaim thee too, as love knows how,
by saving word and faithful life. Refrain
This hymn invites us to reflect back on the generations that have walked this journey of life and faith before us. It reminds us that there is so much that we can learn, not only from God's word but also from our own lives and from the lives of those faithful persons who have gone before. When we face the challenges of this world, and even those great fears of destruction and death, we can hear that there is still much more that we can know, believe, and trust. Over and over in this hymn we are reminded that our faith is not a moment or a single event but rather it is something that shapes our life and hope each day. And even in death our faith will still find us gathered together with others in the presence of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Gracious God, may we learn from those who have gone before us in this journey of life and faith. Help us to grow and understand where you are calling us to witness to the unity, love and peace that is ours in Christ Jesus. Calm our fears and help us to keep your promise and your love always in our hearts. Amen.