Did you catch the words of our hymn of the day this past Sunday? Each week the intent of the song that falls immediately after the sermon is that it is to be our response to what we just heard proclaimed.
So, if we were to relook at what we sang in the hymn of the day, how do you feel about offering these lyrics as your response? As your prayer?
God of tempest, God of whirlwind, as on Pentecost descend!
Drive us out from sheltered comfort, past these walls your people send!
Sweep us into costly service, there with Christ to bear the cross,
there with Christ to bear the cross!
The words of this hymn are not shy. They’re bold. And if we truly mean what we sing (and pray), the Spirit may actually do something.
So this week, sing/pray these words again (the verse above and the remainder of the verses below). And, as you’re willing, offer yourself to the Spirit to work within you as God claims us for God’s Kingdom work.
God of blazing, God of burning, all that blocks your purpose purge!
Through your church, Christ’s Living Body, let your flaming Spirit surge!
Where deceit conceals injustice, kindle us to speak your truth,
kindle us to speak your truth!
God of earthquake, God of thunder, shake us loose from lethargy!
Break the chains of sin asunder, for earth’s healing set us free!
Crumble walls that still divide us; make us one in Christ our Lord,
make us one in Christ our Lord!
God of passion, God unsleeping, stir in us love’s restlessness!
Where the people cry in anguish, may we share your heart’s distress.
Rouse us from content with evil, claim us for your kingdom’s work,
claim us for your kingdom’s work!