God of Grace and God of Glory (ELW 705, focus on verse 1)
1 God of grace and God of glory,
on your people pour your pow’r;
crown your ancient church’s story;
bring its bud to glorious flow’r.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.
2 Lo! The hosts of evil round us
scorn the Christ, assail his ways!
From the fears that long have bound us
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grand us courage
for the living of these days,
for the living of these days.
3 Cure your children’s warring madness;
Bend our pride to your control;
Shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
Rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grand us courage,
lest we miss your kingdom’s goal,
lest we miss your kingdom’s goal.
4 Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore;
let the gift of your salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
serving you whom we adore,
serving you whom we adore.
Devotion
For the facing of this hour; for the living of these days. I’m not so sure that life is more or less difficult today than it was in times past. Each time period has its challenges and we can only live in the time in which we are living. Fear is still fear. Conflict within us and in our relationships can still cause us anguish. The need to be loved and to love always seems to have it ups and downs. Weak resignation and despair can be a temptation in any age in dealing with the challenges of living. In the midst of this hour and this time, the much-needed gift of God’s salvation is proclaimed to us again and again. Daily the promise of God’s grace, God’s unconditional love and favor is renewed for us. From that promise springs wisdom and courage for us in facing this hour and these days. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Prayer
Gracious God, we thank you for the gift of your salvation and continual presence with us. Grant us wisdom and courage for whatever we are facing this day in these times. Amen.