“…and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.” Deuteronomy 26:9-10
Dear Friends in Christ,
Happy Fourth of July! On this Independence Day, we celebrate what we see as the birth of our nation, founded on the grace of God with gifts “endowed by our creator.” Our Director of Music, George Chesnut, introduced us to a beautiful and rousing hymn that we have used from time to time, one that is especially poignant on occasions that mark our thanks for the gifts God gives us in this country. Please read and pray this text with me today (or sing and pray it here):
(And for advanced reading, read all of Deuteronomy chapter 26, cited above). How are we to understand the blessings of our country and how are we to respond to God’s gift?)
Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,
urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way,
sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided:
Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.
Lord, for that word, the word of life which fires us,
speaks to our hearts and sets our souls ablaze,
teaches and trains, rebukes us and inspires us:
Lord of the word, receive Your people's praise.
Lord, for our land in this our generation,
spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care:
for young and old, for commonwealth and nation,
Lord of our land, be pleased to hear our prayer.
Lord, for our world when we disown and doubt you,
loveless in strength, and comfortless in pain,
hungry and helpless, lost indeed without you:
Lord of the world, we pray that Christ may reign.
Lord for ourselves; in living power remake us -
self on the cross and Christ upon the throne,
past put behind us, for the future take us:
Lord of our lives, to live for Christ alone.
Slightly adapted from 'Lord, for the years your love' by Timothy Dudley-Smith (b. 1926).
Yours in Christ,
-Tom