Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 886)
1 Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and king, the triumphs of his grace!
2 My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim,
to spread through all the earth abroad the honors of your name.
3 The name of Jesus charms our fears and bids our sorrows cease,
sings music in the sinner’s ears, brings life and health and peace.
4 He speaks, and list’ning to his voice, new life the dead receive;
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe.
5 Look unto him, your Savior own, O fallen human race!
Look and be saved through faith alone, be justified by grace!
6 To God all glory, praise, and love be now and ever giv’n
by saints below and saints above, the church in earth and heav’n.
Text: Charles Wesley; Music: Carl G. Gläser; Public Domain
Devotion
This week, we emphasized listening for messages—prophecies of warning or hope—that God calls us to share. As God’s messengers, James advises us: “let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger” (1:19). When we listen, we realize we’re called to speak God’s message of love with everyone because God desires to adopt all people as heirs! To share this message effectively, our words and actions must be loving. Nevertheless, when we speak truth to power, people might reject or harm us. Therefore, we should support each other and unite as communities that share God’s messages calling for justice worldwide. Charles Wesley’s hymn, “Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” highlights this communal call to be God’s messengers. Together, we proclaim God’s honor and peace. Together, we share God’s comforting promises of grace and salvation. Together, we praise God’s glory and love with all the earth!
Prayer
Glorious God, when you call, help us listen and have courage. Bring us together to praise you and share your message of love with everyone. In the name of Jesus, our great Redeemer, Amen.