My Faith Looks Up to Thee, ELW 759
Devotion
My faith looks up to thee,
thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
take all my guilt away,
oh, let me from this day
be wholly thine!
May thy rich grace impart
strength to my fainting heart,
my zeal inspire;
as thou hast died for me,
oh, may my love to thee
pure, warm, and changeless be,
a living fire!
While life's dark maze I tread
and griefs around me spread,
be thou my guide;
bid darkness turn to day,
wipe sorrow's tears away,
nor let me ever stray
from thee aside.
When ends life's transient dream,
when death's cold, sullen stream
shall o'er me roll;
blest Savior, then, in love
fear and distrust remove;
oh, bear me safe above,
a ransomed soul!
I gently asked if there were any hymns or songs that spoke to this dear woman as she lay comfortable in her own bed in hospice care. Over the weeks she had been telling stories of the times God had surprised her in life—nursing school and her father's disapproval; meeting her husband after her fiancé was killed in the war; the surprise of a pregnancy and the long struggle when that child was lost. In all those times when she had been brought low, the only place she could look was up. We sang together in faith that afternoon, and my voice faltered more than hers.
I hear this hymn and remember Marion's faith that still points me to God in the times I feel low. Who are the saints in your memories? How do their stories carry you back to God?
Prayer
What gifts you have given to us, Gracious God! I thank you for those who carry me in faith, the communion of saints, as I journey through life's dark mazes with my fainting heart. May I be wholly thine as you carry me in your love. Amen.