“O, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways,” ELW 772
1 Oh, that the Lord would guide my ways
To keep his statutes still!
Oh, that my God would grant me grace
To know and do his will!
2 Order my footsteps by your Word
And make my heart sincere;
Let sin have no dominion, Lord,
But keep my conscience clear.
3 Assist my soul, too apt to stray,
A stricter watch to keep;
And should I e'er forget your way,
Restore your wand'ring sheep.
4 Make me to walk in your commands,
'Tis a delightful road;
Nor let my head or heart or hands
Offend against my God.
Devotion
They came to New Orleans, 37,000 strong, for “Jesus, Justice, Jazz,” the 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering. Most had never been to that city before, so guides were very important. Hundreds of young adults, ages 20-25, called “Servant Companions” were guides to groups of 40 youth as they offered service to the people of the city.
Another part of the Gathering program was the Interaction Center, where youth learned about and actively engaged with the issues of injustice they confronted in the neighborhoods devastated by Hurricane Katrina. These activities also assisted the youth to “take it home” and address injustices in their communities.
One “quiet” spot was the canvas labyrinth. Participants walked prayerfully, following the numerous turns in the path to the center of a large canvas. The one-path pattern guided their meditation even in the middle of the hubbub. The walk allowed them to release anxieties and to trust God to guide them.
Prayer
O God, guide us through the unexpected twists and turns of our walk with you. Teach us to center our lives in your word of grace. Move us to serve and learn from others. Amen.