Tag: hymns

On January sixth, we celebrate the coming of the three wise men or Magi.

Lord God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Lutheran Book of Worship 1978

I pray that God will continue to reveal himself to us, his believers, and to all mankind. While we know about His love and glory, I suspect very few of us can understand the depth of His love for us. His glory is brighter than the sun which is hard for me to imagine since I can’t look at the sun.

Here is the lyrics of a hymn titled As with Gladness Men of Old that we sang at church today. I love how it applied the story of the wise men following the star to my life today.

As with Gladness Men of Old did the guiding star behold; as with joy they hailed its light, leading onward burning bright; so most gracious Lord, may we ever more be led by thee.

As with joyful steps they sped, Savior to thy lowly bed, there to bend the knee before thee, whom heav’n and earth adore; so may we with willing feet ever seek the mercy seat.

As they offered gifts most rare at thy cradle, rude and bare, so may we with holy joy , pure and free from sin’s alloy, all our costliest treasures bring, Christ to thee, our heavenly king.

Holy Jesus every day keep us in the narrow way; and when earthly things are past, bring our ransomed souls at last where they need no star to guide, where no clouds thy glory hide.

In the heav’nly country bright need they no created light; thou its light, its joy, its crown, thou its sun which goes not down; there forever may we sing alleluias to our king.

This hymn feels like when I cry out to God for guidance.

“Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light.

When my way grows dreary, precious Lord, linger near, when my life is almost gone, hear my cry, hear my call, hold my hand lest I fall.

When the darkness appears and the night draws near, and the day is past and gone, at the river I stand, guide my feet, hold my hand.”

As I walked home from church today, a familiar urge filled my heart. The words of one of the hymns sparked my desire to pray for the world again.

It is titled O God of Every Nation (713 in the ELCA hymnal).

“O God of every nation, of every race and land, redeem your creation with your almighty hand; where hate and fear divide us and bitter threats are hurled, in love and mercy guide us and heal our strife torn world.

From search for wealth and power and scorn of truth and right, from trust in bombs that shower destruction through the night, from pride of race and station and blindness to your way, deliver every nation, eternal God, we pray.”

I think these two verses describes us and our world so well. When the pandemic began and the Ukraine war began, I felt this need to pray for our world. Yet, I struggle to even know what to ask for. Peace from war and hatred? Healing from illness? A reprieve for those who are suffering due to illness, wars, poverty and natural disasters? Guidance for the leaders of each and every nation?

I cry out for easy answers and easy fixes. Yet, God seems to listen intently with no response.

Here is a short quote from another song titled God of Grace and God of Glory (705)

“Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the facing of this hour…Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the living of these days.”

We, as a world, need Your guidance and courage to live in these chaotic times. Please grant this to us.