When We Watch the Rescue MUELLER 11.11.11.11 ("Away in a Manger") When we watch the rescue of children or youth, O God of great mercy, may we see your truth— That children are precious and you love each one. They’re made in your image— each daughter, each son. When we watch as children who crossed to this land Are locked in detention as part of some plan, May we be reminded that you love them, too; They’re made in your image; they’re precious to you. When we watch the little ones, hungry and poor, Who wait as our great nation closes the door, May we be reminded that as we treat them, We’re looking at Jesus and so treating him. O God, your Son taught us, and we know it’s true, That each single person is precious to you. O Lord, may we know it’s our mission today To welcome the children-- not turn them away. Biblical References: Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17; Matthew 25:31-46 Tune: James Ramsey Murray, 1887 Text: Copyright © 2018 by Carolyn … [Read more...]
When Jesus Went to Egypt (a hymn)
When Jesus Went to Egypt PASSION CHORALE 7.6.7.6 D ("O Sacred Head, Now Wounded") When Jesus went to Egypt, Safe on his mother’s arm, His parents stayed beside him To keep him safe from harm. And when they crossed the border, They were allowed to be Together – seeking refuge – A Holy Family. O God, we pray for children And families coming here Now facing separation, And filled with grief and fear. For children, loved and treasured, Are ripped from loving kin. This deed, by any measure, Is torture. It’s a sin!O God, you’re like a mother Who won’t forsake her own. You’re like a loving father Who welcomes his son home. Now give us, by your Spirit, The strength to challenge wrong, To seek the best for children, And keep all families strong. Biblical references: Matthew 2:12-18; Isaiah 49:15; 66:13; Luke 15:11-32; Matthew 25:31–46 Tune: Hans Leo Hassler, 1601; … [Read more...]
What Good Can Come from Nazareth? (a hymn)
“What Good Can Come from Nazareth?” AURELIA 7.6.7.6 D ("The Church's One Foundation") “What good can come from Nazareth? Can any good at all?” Nathaniel said to Philip when he heard Philip’s call. The prophets never praised it— that little backwoods place! He thought God wouldn’t choose it to be a means of grace. And yet, when he met Jesus, Nathaniel changed his ways. His words that put down others soon turned to words of praise. He called our Savior “Rabbi!” and “Son of God!” and “King!” What change a little listening and openness can bring! “What good can come from strangers?” O God, we hear the shout. For some hate other people and seek to push them out. May we who follow Jesus be glad to “Come and see!” May we learn from each other with true humility. O God of all our cultures, now make us one, we pray. May we see your grace working in all your lands this day. May we hear others’ stories— what makes them sad or strong, Till— listening— we find friendship, … [Read more...]
Hymn: “If We Just Talk of Thoughts and Prayers”
Thanks to Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, this hymn is free for congregations to use in worship. It was written after the church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, that claimed 26 lives. If We Just Talk of Thoughts and Prayers O WALY WALY LM ("Though I May Speak") If we just talk of thoughts and prayers And don’t live out a faith that dares, And don’t take on the ways of death, Our thoughts and prayers are fleeting breath. If we just dream of what could be And do not build community, And do not seek to change our ways, Our dreams of change are false displays. If we just sing of doing good And don’t walk through our neighborhood To learn its hope, to ease its pain, Our talk of good is simply vain. God, may our prayers and dreams and songs Lead to a faith that takes on wrongs— That works for peace and justice, too. Then will our prayers bring joy to you. Biblical references: Isaiah 58; Matthew 7:21, 24-27; 1 Corinthians 13:1; James 2:14-26; 1 John … [Read more...]
Hymns for Advent and Christmas – Year B
The Presbyterian Outlook commissioned Presbyterian hymn writer, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette to compose Advent hymns set to familiar Christmas tunes and other well-loved hymns. Your hymn purchase includes downloads of a PDF of the lyrics scored with the music for a half-page regular sheet of paper, a second PDF of the lyrics scored with music for a half-page of legal-sized paper (large print) and a document with lyrics only. You have permission to print as many copies as needed for your use. Advent wreath hymn “The Candle of Hope” is a new hymn that is not geared to the lectionary passages. This new hymn follows the themes of each of the Sundays in Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. If you light Advent candles as part of your worship during the season, then this hymn is ideal! The words are set to the familiar tune of “O Worship the King, All Glorious Above.” The Candle of Hope (preview of full hymn text) “The candle of hope we light in this hour, proclaims that the Lord is … [Read more...]
O God, We’ve Prayed in Wind and Rain (Hymn for Harvey relief)
“O God, We’ve Prayed in Wind and Rain” was written in response to severe storms -- Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana and even more devastating flooding in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh (1,200 deaths and 41 million people impacted in the Asian storms). We pray for those who are suffering, give thanks to the many who have responded, and pray for continuing efforts to help in comforting and rebuilding. O God, We’ve Prayed in Wind and Rain AMAZING GRACE CM (“Amazing Grace”) O God, we’ve prayed in wind and rain and now we pray once more For those who felt the hurricane and heard the waters roar. We pray for those who watched the storm destroy the life they knew, Who wait in shelters, tired and worn, and wonder what to do. We thank you, God, for acts of love not bound by race or creed, For hands that reach across the flood to all who are in need. We pray for others far away who’ve seen destruction, too; We look beyond ourselves, for they are also loved by … [Read more...]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 10
- Next Page »
Tweet With Us
Be A Facebook Fan
Our World in Photos
Pin With Us