“The Days Are Coming,” Said the Lord WOODWORTH LM (“Just As I Am, Without One Plea”) “The days are coming,” said the Lord, “When I will bring in something new. My people now reject my word So look and see what I will do.” “I’ll write my words upon the heart, And I will put my law in them. Though they have wavered from the start, My people will return again.” O God, this law that is within Becomes the means by which we’re free. No longer bound by human sin, In Christ, we’re who we’re called to be. In every sinful, hurting place, Our hearts know what it means to yearn. We hear your promised love and grace; Now at your cross may we return. Biblical Reference: Jeremiah 31:31-34. Tune: William Batchelder Bradbury, 1849, Harm. The Hymnbook, 1955 Text: Copyright © 2012 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. … [Read more...]

God’s People Were Impatient ANGEL’S STORY 7.6.7.6 D ("O Jesus, I Have Promised") God’s people were impatient and spoke against the Lord: “This wilderness is dried out and we detest the food! We can’t find any water and so we ask you why, O God—if you still love us— you’ve brought us here to die.” As sinning leads to judgment, the people soon knew fear. For snakes were in the desert and danger lingered near. So Moses made a bronze snake and placed it on a pole; Whoever looked upon it was once again made whole. O God, this Lenten season reminds us of our sin; We know our lack of trusting, the times our faith wears thin. We also know your promise to lead us on our way, To faithfully be near us, to guide us day by day. Though sinning leads to judgment, repentance is God’s plan; So on the cross was lifted the suffering Son of Man. God, may we look upon him and in his suffering see The one who brings redemption for all humanity. Biblical Reference: Numbers … [Read more...]

By Grace, We Have Been Saved Through Faith ST. ANNE CM ("Our God, Our Help in Ages Past") By grace, we have been saved through faith and not by works we do. For just as God gives life and breath God makes us whole and new. We cannot boast of all our deeds; we have not earned our way. It’s God, in Christ, who claims and frees and calls us day by day. Though all our works won’t cure our sin or give to us our worth, we’re called to use this time we’re in to serve God here on earth. O God, in Christ, we hold this world within your love’s embrace. In serving you, we thank you, Lord, for all your wondrous grace. Biblical Reference: Ephesians 2:1-10 Tune: Attr. William Croft, 1708. Text: Copyright © 2015 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Click here to return to the hymn order page … [Read more...]

“I Have Brought You Out of Egypt” NETTLETON 8.7.8.7 D “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” “I have brought you out of Egypt,” Moses heard the Lord God say. “I have saved you! I have freed you! People, listen and obey. Have no other gods before me; don’t make idols for yourselves. I will judge those who reject me; worship me and no one else.” “Do not use the Lord’s name wrongly, use God’s name for what is good. Keep the Sabbath; keep it holy; rest and worship as you should. Honor father, honor mother; do not murder! Honor life! Do not wander to another from your husband or your wife.” God continued these commandments: “Do not steal another’s things; And you shall not bear false witness-- see the anguish that it brings. Do not seek with bitter longing what you see across the street. Keep these laws and find within them where my love and justice meet.” God of grace, we see your promise in the covenant you give. For your law is wise and wondrous as it shows us how … [Read more...]

Some Say It’s Nothing O Quanta Qualia 11. 10.11.10 (“God of Compassion, in Mercy Befriend Us”) Some say it’s nothing-- this faith we believe in; some think the gospel is curious or odd. Some say the cross is for fools and naïve ones, but to the saved it’s the power of God. Some put their trust in the things they can measure; some count on wealth so they’ll feel more secure. Some cling to fame or to knowledge or pleasure; only the cross brings us love evermore. Some look for wisdom this world claims to offer; some search for signs to discern what is true. God, may we see in a Savior who suffered all that is needed to make our lives new. Those lost and found tell their friends and their neighbors, people forgiven have joy to declare. Those who are poor find they’re rich in God’s favor: God, by the cross, we have good news to share! Biblical Reference: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Tune: Paris Antiphoner, 1681, as in La Feillee’s Methode du plain-chant, 1808 Text: … [Read more...]