Sunday, October 20, 2019

Devotion

1 Your kingdom come! O Father, hear our prayer;
shine through the clouds that threaten ev'rywhere;
light from above, our only life and joy,
show us the hope that nothing can destroy;
show us the hope that nothing can destroy.

2 Stumbling and blind, we strive to do your will,
trusting the word you surely will fulfill,
that all are yours, however far they roam,
that love shall triumph, and your kingdom come;
that love shall triumph, and your kingdom come.

3 Come through the faith whereby the church must live;
come through the word and sacraments you give;
come through your teaching, and your healing too;
come through the work enlightened hearts can do;
come through the work enlightened hearts can do.

4 Your kingdom come; come too, God’s glorious Son!
Oh, may our task for you be nobly done!
Faithful let all your servants be, and true,
until they bring all nations home to you;
until they bring all nations home to you.

Text: Margaret R. Seebach, 1875-1948, alt.

"Your Kingdom Come!" declares that because God is persistent, we can be persistent. Its lyrics emphasize that persistent prayers lead to light and hope during threatening times. It avows we can trust the word's promise of God's enduring love for all people throughout our persistent, roaming travels. This hymn reminds us of God's persistent presence through faith, the Word, and teaching that enlighten us to God's call.

God calls us to work nobly, faithfully, and truthfully. Persistent prayer keeps us in consistent connection with God so that our service can produce a just society with opportunities for all people. Today is "National Youth Confidence Day," which reminds us of the need for persistent, loving teachers of truth and righteousness who provide opportunities for youth to live out their God-given potential. Our work of mentoring youth for future service affirms that God's love persists now and until God's kingdom fully comes.