In Times of Great Decision
Friday, October 29, 2004
Tune: AURELIA 7.6.7.6 D ("The Church's One Foundation")
Version of hymn with music, from the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship
A Hymn/Prayer Before Election Day
In times of great decision, Be with us, God, we pray
Give each of us a vision Of Jesus' loving way.
When louder words seem endless And other voices sure,
Remind us of your promise: Your love and truth endure.
O God, whose gifts are countless, You send us bearing peace.
You fill our dreams with justice For all communities.
You give us global neighbors That all may justly live.
May those we choose as leaders Reflect the life you give.
O God, you bridged the distance; You opened wide your door.
You call us by our presence To reach to serve the poor.
You teach us: Welcome strangers Seek justice on the earth
May those we choose as leaders See every person's worth.
You call on every nation To put aside all greed,
To care for your creation And for your ones in need,
To care for those in prison, For children, for the ill.
In times of great decision, may we choose leaders well.
Tune: Samuel Sebastian Wesley, 1864.
Alternate Tune: LLANGLOFFAN ("O God ov Every Nation"). Welsh folk melody.
Text: Copyright © 2004 Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. [email protected]
Hymn Note: "In Times of Great Decision" was inspired by "Christian Principles in an Election Year" by the National Council of Churches USA: http://www.ncccusa.org/electionyearprinciplesguide.pdf Carolyn Winfrey Gillette is co- pastor of the Limestone Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware and author of Gifts of Love: New Hymns for Today's Worship (Geneva Press, 2000). A complete list of her hymns, including for the lectionary year, can be found at http://firstpresby.org/hymnlist.htm
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