LBW #554, “This Is My Father’s World”
Devotion
This is my Father’s world; Oh, let me not forget That,
Though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world; Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is king, let the heavens ring; God reigns, let the earth be glad!
Prayer
Lord, what a curious way you have of bringing life and hope into your world, of working peace and justice, of showing compassion and love for all of your creatures. No hands but the hands of us, your servants; no feet but ours; no protection but such as we provide; no money but ours; no friends unless it be we; no shelter except we build it; no institutions unless we found them.
Since it does seem to be so, Lord, be in our minds and in our understanding. Lord, be in our hearts and give us compassion. Lord, be in our feet to run your service. Lord, be in our eyes and be our insight. Lord, be in our plans and be our hope. Lord, be in our present and give us a future. Amen.
Wendell Frerichs
Real Prayers (St. Paul: Centered Life, Luther Seminary, 2004) 55.