Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word, ELW 663
Devotion
What happens next now that This Changes Everything is nearly done? Thousands of high school students, young adults and youth leaders will return to our congregations energized by the Spirit. How will we receive their witness to what God has done in and through them in Houston? We cannot and must refuse to quench the energy, the passion and the noise of these students! This hymn has always been the drumbeat of the church to be inspired to watch the Word of God do what the Word of God does—create living faith in Jesus Christ. "Lord of the Harvest, great and kind, rouse to action heart and mind." Is this not what we have been praying for at the gathering? May we also be changed by the witness of the students to the crucified and risen Christ whom they met in Houston and who continues to call them—and us—to witness in the corners of our neighborhoods, towns and cities!
Prayer
Lord of the Harvest, great and kind, rouse to action heart and mind. Help us receive the witness of those who have attended the National Youth Gathering and be moved to serve locally. In Jesus name. Amen.