“Faith of Our Fathers” [alternate stanzas 2-4], ELW 813
1 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.
Faith of our fathers, holy faith,
we will be true to you till death.
2 Faith of our mothers, daring faith,
your work for Christ is love revealed,
spreading God's word from pole to pole,
making love known and freedom real.
Faith of our mothers, holy faith,
we will be true to you till death.
3 Faith of our sisters, brothers too,
who still must bear oppression's might,
raising on high, in prisons dark,
the cross of Christ still burning bright.
Faith for today, O living faith,
we will be true to you till death.
4 Faith born of God, oh, call us yet,
bind us with all who follow you,
sharing the struggle of your cross
until the world is made anew.
Faith born of God, O living faith,
we will be true to you till death.
Devotion
In recent decades, we are more fully rejoicing in the rich diversity among all of God’s children. We recognize God created all humankind—male and female—in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). With this insight, Joseph R. Alfred, in 1981, wrote three alternate stanzas to the well-known hymn, Faith of Our Fathers. In Alfred’s alternate stanza (verse 2), he affirms the “daring faith” of women who spread God’s love and word throughout the world. In the next stanza, he recognizes the courageous people who, although oppressed, still share the message of Christ’s death and resurrection. Finally, Alfred asks God to call us and bind us all together.
Together, how could we share the struggles of bringing light and love into a world filled with darkness and disdain? With who will I, will you, will we join? Together, beginning today, where will our living faith lead us to make the world “anew”?
Prayer
Creator God, thank you for the magnificent diversity throughout your creation! Help us to work together faithfully in loving service to you and each other. Amen.