Pastors Pondering

Music has a richness and depth that makes the worship service stirring and meaningful. I like to sing, but I like to sing even more with other people. And I love to sing the words and music of songs that have fed people of faith over time. Until we get back to signing in church and hearing the choir, I do appreciate reading the words of the hymns and hearing the signing of others.

Here is a new song that was written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. It is sung to the tune called BEACH SPRING which is also the tune for the hymn, “Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service” (UMH # 581). The composer has written, “This new hymn is a prayer for unity in our nation — a unity grounded in love and justice for all. At this time of so much division in our country, our nation needs prayer, and we as churches are called to pray and work for the love, justice, peace and unity that God desires.”

God of love, we’ve known division and we’ve seen its awful cost.
We have struggled as a nation, and there’s much that we have lost.
We have been a house divided — and, divided, we can’t stand.
May our nation be united; give us peace throughout this land.

Turn us, Lord, from what divides us — fear that drives us far apart,
greed that leads to great injustice, racist ways that break your heart.
May we seek what brings together — hearts that bear each other’s pain,
care and mercy toward our neighbors, love that welcomes strangers in.

May we all, in conversation, speak the truth and listen well.
May we hear, across this nation, stories others have to tell.
May we learn from other cultures and be blessed by their worldview;
May we serve with one another — loving others, loving you.

You have challenged us to goodness; you have shown a kinder way.
It’s your love that now inspires us as we seek a better day.
May we end our harsh division; may we stop the hate and fear.
Make us one, Lord, as a nation; may we be united here.

Blessings,

Pastor Steve

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