God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending (ELW 678)
1 God, whose giving knows no ending, from your rich and endless store:
nature’s wonder, Jesus’ wisdom, costly cross, grave’s shattered door, gifted by you, we turn to you, off’ring up ourselves in praise;
thankful song shall rise forever, gracious donor of our days.
2 Skills and time are ours for pressing toward the goals of Christ, your Son:
all at peace in health and freedom, races joined, the church made one.
Now direct our daily labor, lest we strive for self alone;
born with talents, make us servants fit to answer at your throne.
3 Treasure, too, you have entrusted, gain through pow’rs your grace conferred;
ours to use for home and kindred, and to spread the gospel word.
Open wide our hands in sharing, as we heed Christ’s ageless call, healing, teaching, and reclaiming, serving you by loving all.
Devotion
“Gifted by you, we turn to you, offering up ourselves in praise.” This hymn was one of 450 submissions in 1961 in a search for stewardship hymns conducted by the Hymn Society of America. In thankfulness for everything received, we sing “Now direct our daily labor, lest we strive for self alone. Born with talents make us servants fit to answer at your throne.”
The theme this week has been “finding life by losing it” in service to Christ. Kenny Chesney is an American singer-songwriter whose country song “There Goes My Life” captures the paradox. Becoming a parent initially feels like losing the dreams one has for oneself, but in time the child becomes “my life” through love, as their future emerges and takes on greater importance. The turn of phrase as parents watch their child leave is powerful. Parents learn the paradox of finding life by losing it. It’s in giving that we receive.
Prayer
O God, rich in endless giving, we sing your praises, trusting in the power of your grace, and confident in sharing the good news of your love for all your children. Amen.