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
The hymn’s opening verse encapsules how the story of God’s grace through the ages has power to give us wisdom and courage for living each day of our lives. As we face the conflicts in our daily lives God’s grace tugs us into living for others. The Spirit provides the courage and wisdom to step out, to look outward instead of inward, caring for others instead of only caring for self. We have a history, planted in the early church, with roots deep in the soil of Israel. We ask for God’s guidance for each day, for each hour.
Prayer
God of grace, guide and lead us every hour of every day that our lives reflect your love. In Jesus name. Amen.