O God of Mercy, God of Light (ELW 714)
1 O God of mercy, God of light,
in love and mercy infinite,
teach us, as ever in your sight
to live our lives in you.
2 You sent your Son to die for all,
that our lost world might hear your call;
oh, hear us lest we stray and fall!
We rest our hope in you.
3 Teach us the lesson Jesus taught:
to feel for those his blood has bought,
that ev’ry deed and word and thought
may work a work for you.
4 For all are kindred, far and wide,
since Jesus Christ for all has died;
grant us the will, and grace provide,
to love them all in you.
5 In sickness, sorrow, want or care,
may we each other’s burdens share;
may we, where help is needed, there
give help as though to you.
6 And may your Holy Spirit move
all those who live to live in love,
till you receive in heav’n above
all those who live in you.
Devotion
I am forever amazed by people like the author of this hymn, Godfrey Thring, Anglican clergyman and poet, who can put words together to express one’s feelings, emotions, and faith in an inspiring manner to they become part of our faith journey. Just think of these words that we sing over 125 years later that still comfort, inspire, and challenge us. The words remind us that faith is not just a private experience to make one feel secure, but an opportunity to reach out to others in all circumstances of life far and wide. The words of verse two of “When in our Music God is Glorified,” (ELW 850) say it best, “How oft, in making music, we have found a new dimension in the world of sound, as worship moved us to a more profound Alleluia.”
Prayer
“In sickness, sorrow, want, or care, may we each other’s burdens share;
may we, where help is needed, there, give help as though to you.” Amen.