God of Grace and God of Glory (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 705)
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.
Text: Harry E. Fosdick; Music: John Hughes; Public Domain
Devotion
It’s not always convenient and it’s not always my first choice for an activity, but I have been compelled to show up at rallies that have been organized in my city in 2025. It feels right for me to be there with others to call out what I see as lies or a disregard for the U.S. Constitution. To cry out with others for the vulnerable that are being harmed by ICE. To protest the bills that have been approved that may harm the needy.
So, I can relate to the words in the hymn: “Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the living of these days.” Someone said to me, “Oh that’s nice you go to these rallies.” My response has been, “If not now, when?”
Prayer
Lord, our hearts are burdened by the evil actions we witness. As in the hymn, free our hearts to faith and praise. Amen.