NETTLETON 8.7.8.7 D (“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”)
God, Creator, you have taught us: “Faith and hope and love abide.”
In this world where you have set us, these three words become our guide.
Faith sees how you’ve walked beside us, hope looks on toward your new day,
love becomes your word to guide us as we daily seek your Way.
We have faith that you created and you called creation good.
You gave everything we needed: streams of water, shelter, food.
Then you told us, “Have dominion!” So you called us all to care
for the blessings of creation — creatures, water, land and air.
As we look into the future, we confess the news is grim;
we’ve polluted till each creature feels the stress of human sin.
Yet we hope because you’re working and we’re called to struggle, too.
We have hope because you love us and you’re making all things new.
Love becomes the gift we offer when we care for your good earth —
for the poor are first to suffer when we fail to see its worth.
When we care for your creation with our neighbors, side by side,
God, we’ll truly see your blessing: Faith and hope and love abide.
Biblical References: Genesis 1-2; 1:26; 1 Corinthians 13:13; Luke 4:14-30
Tune: John Wyeth’s Repository of Sacred Music, 1813
Text: Copyright © 2018 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
Pastor Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has written 16 hymns about creation care for congregational worship. She gives permission for free use of this hymn to Outlook readers. She appreciates donations for the use of her free hymns and is grateful for invitations to speak at churches and presbyteries. Contact her at carolynshymns@gmail.com.
