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
When I was a corporate trainer, we were coached to introduce a session by using this acronym: “Radio Station WII – FM.” In other words, telling the audience, “What’s In It For Me” to get their buy in. Many times, I have wondered if our society has veered too much towards this mantra. I feel like my parents had a better grasp on the good of the whole, and if that meant sacrificing and sharing, that’s just what you did to help others. This hymn pleads, “shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul.”
Prayer
God of Grace, we continue to seek ways to serve you. Guide us as we lift each other up for your purpose and your glory. Amen.