Shine, Jesus Shine, ELW 671 & WOV 651
Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father's glory;
blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy;
send forth your Word, Lord, and let there be light!
Lord, the light of your love is shining,
in the midst of the darkness shining;
Jesus, light of the world, shine upon us,
set us free by the truth you now bring us.
Shine on me, shine on me:
Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father's glory;
blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy;
send forth your Word, Lord, and let there be light!
As we gaze on your kingly brightness,
so our faces display your likeness,
ever changing from glory to glory,
mirrored here, may our lives tell your story.
Shine on me, shine on me:
Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father's glory;
blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy;
send forth your Word, Lord, and let there be light!
Devotion
Adoniram Judson was the first missionary to convert a Buddhist person to Christianity. It took the 25-year-old American Baptist six years of flooding the nation with grace and mercy to gain a convert named Maung Naw, whom he baptized in 1819. Judson translated the Bible into Burmese, established many Baptist churches throughout Myanmar and inspired many Americans to support missionaries. Most Christians in Myanmar are of Baptist affiliation due to Judson’s efforts.
The faith and songs of these Myanmar congregations reflect a long tradition which still uses “thee” and “thou.” Despite what I experienced as archaic language and an oppressive context, the faith of Myanmar Christians is vibrant, joyful, powerful and inspiring. My faith was renewed simply by witnessing their devoted prayer and receiving their out-pouring of hospitality. Expecting more formal songs, I was surprised and pleased to sing Shine, Jesus, Shine during the student-led prayer service.
Prayer
Light of the world, when your glory shines upon us we are filled with joy, hope and peace as believers, brilliantly glowing in your love. Our lives have been changed as you free us from our old ways and renew us with your unending source of life. It is our earnest prayer that our lives would tell your story, Jesus. Amen.