Sunday, October 31, 2004

Living stones

Today the hymn Built on the Rock the Church doth Stand really spoke to me. Here are the 3rd and 4th verses:
3. We are God's house of living stones,
Builded for His habitation;
He through baptismal grace us owns
Heirs of His wondrous salvation.
Were we but two His name to tell,
Yet He would deign with us to dwell,
With all His grace and His favor.

4. Now we may gather with our King
E'en in the lowliest dwelling;
Praises to Him we there may bring,
His wondrous mercy forthtelling.
Jesus his grace to us accords;
Spirit and life are all His Words;
His truth does hallow the temple.

(based on Ephesians 2: 19-22)

words by Nicolai F. S. Gruntvig, 1837
translated by Carl Doeving, 1909, alt.
The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941.



Father, let me dedicate All this year to you
In whatever earthly state You will have me be
Not from sorrow, pain, or care Freedom dare I claim;
This alone shall be my prayer: Glorify Your name.
--from New Year's Hymn by Lawrence Tuttiett, 1864 (alt.)