Oh, That the Lord, Would Guide My Ways, LBW 480 & ELW 772
1 Oh, that the Lord would guide my ways to keep his statues still!
Oh, that my God would grant me grace to know and do his will!
2 Order my footsteps by your word and make my heart sincere; let sin have no dominion,
Lord, but keep my conscious clear.
3 Assist my soul, too apt to stray, a stricter watch to keep; and should I e'er forget your way, restore your wand'ring sheep.
4 Make me to walk in your commands, 'tis a delightful road; nor let my head or hands offend against my God.
Devotion
I love to hold worship services together with other churches in our community and often have done so throughout the years. We seldom have run into any significant resistance to such ecumenical gatherings. And it feels good; to show publicly our unity in Christ.
But often, as I have planned these services, someone says: “Well, we’re all trying to get to the same place anyway.” I appreciate their support, and their acknowledgment that heaven truly is for all believers. Yet this comment always makes me cringe, for it gives the impression that that is all there is to our faith—trying to get to heaven.
I like the way this hymn sings of grace, not only as the stuff of forgiveness or the key to the pearly gates, but as God’s gift to guide us in this lifetime. It is grace, not law, that teaches us best how to “know and do his will.” It is grace, not a list of rules, that makes our walk with God “a delightful path.”
Prayer
We are not alone, Generous God, on the path that leads to you. Bless those of all denominations who seek your will and discover the delightful path upon which you lead us. Amen.