LBW 419, “Lord of All Nations, Grant Me Grace”
Devotion
Although the words of this hymn by Olive Wise are based on another text, they fit well with Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:15-20. The words of the fourth verse are particularly striking, asking for courage to speak out against oppression while practicing forgiveness.
Jesus reminds us of the importance of working for reconciliation when he says, “if another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone” (v. 15).
It takes a lot of courage to enter into this kind of personal confrontation. The hymn is the writer’s prayer for courage to speak and to forgive, just as we have been forgiven. It is a prayer we can all use whenever we are the victims of someone else’s offensive words or actions.
Prayer
Merciful God, grant us courage to speak up and to confront those who sin against us, that they might see the evil of their ways, confess their sins and be reconciled to Christ and his church. Fill our hearts with a loving spirit and grant us grace to forgive as Christ has forgiven us. Amen.