I Love to Tell the Story (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 661)
1 I love to tell the story
of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory,
of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story,
because I know it’s true;
it satisfies my longings
as nothing else would do.
Refrain:
I love to tell the story;
’twill be my theme in glory
to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.
2 I love to tell the story:
how pleasant to repeat
what seems, each time I tell it,
more wonderfully sweet!
I love to tell the story,
for some have never heard
the message of salvation
from God’s own holy word. [Refrain]
3 I love to tell the story,
for those who know it best
seem hungering and thirsting
to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory,
I sing the new, new song,
I’ll sing the old, old story
that I have loved so long. [Refrain]
Text: Katherine Hankey; Music: William E. Fischer; Public Domain
Devotion
Someone once quipped, “Lutherans love to sing “I Love to Tell the Story” more than they love to tell the story.” The sentiment of course arises from the concern that our singing gusto be matched by our becoming better at telling the story. The task may seem daunting, but it is as simple as making sure that people know that God actually loves them, for, as the hymn relays, “some have never heard.” Some have never heard of a God who loves rather than judges; lifts up rather than pushes down, includes rather than excludes. And it is true as well, that even those who know the story, who know that God loves them, need to hear it again and again. We need to hear the story of a God who loves, heals, forgives, and has mercy—even when we think we deserve it least.
Prayer
Revealing God, reveal your love to us again. And make us also into revealers of your love for others. In your name. Amen.