“O God of Mercy, God of Light,” ELW 714
1 O God of mercy, God of light,
in love and mercy infinite,
teach us, as ever in your sight
to live our lives in you.
2 You sent your Son to die for all,
that our lost world might hear your call;
oh, hear us lest we stray and fall!
We rest our hope in you.
3 Teach us the lesson Jesus taught:
to feel for those his blood has bought,
that ev'ry deed and word and thought
may work a work for you.
4 For all are kindred, far and wide,
since Jesus Christ for all has died;
grant us the will, and grace provide,
to love them all in you.
5 In sickness, sorrow, want or care,
may we each other's burdens share;
may we, where help is needed, there
give help as though to you.
6 And may your Holy Spirit move
all those who live to live in love,
till you receive in heav'n above
all those who live in you.
Devotion
“How big is your family?” When asked this question, I quickly respond, “There are four people in my family.” What would folks think if I answered, “There are 6,828,380,901 people in my family”? That is the world’s population (U.S. Census Bureau’s estimate on 6/20/10). According to Godfrey Thring, O God of Mercy, God of Light lyricist, my extended family—our extended family—includes everyone. In verse 4, he says we are all “kindred” since Christ died for everyone.
Next, Thring prays for God to grant us the will and provide grace to love everyone in our enormous family. That is a colossal prayer! Some days, I don’t do well loving the three other people in my immediate family. Nevertheless, if I did think of all the people in the world as my kindred, would I behave differently? Would I be more inclusive, compassionate, appreciative, patient, fair, and generous with my sisters and brothers?
Prayer
God of Mercy, please help me to see each person as your daughter or son and as my sister or brother. With your help, teach me to grow in love for all my kindred. Amen.