LBW 492, “O Master, Let Me Walk with You”
Devotion
As God's representatives, we make it our life's mission to make the invisible Christ visible to lost and needy people through both word and deed. We can do this most effectively by dealing justly with others and by showing compassion and understanding to those who are less privileged than we are. This hymn, published in 1879, comes from a period of religious history in America when there was much emphasis given to the social implications of the gospel. The Civil War had ended and the country was in the midst of a great industrial revolution. As is often true in such times, the individual is exploited in the name of economic progress.
One of the recognized leaders of the social gospel movement was Washington Gladden, writer of this hymn. He was known for his negotiations in various national labor disputes and strikes. Amazing grace.
Prayer
Lord, we pray for the peace and well-being of the whole world. Amen.