Thine the Amen, ELW 826
1 Thine the amen thine the praise alleluias angels raise thine the everlasting head thine the breaking of the bread thine the glory thine the story thine the harvest then the cup thine the vineyard then the cup is lifted up lifted up.
2 Thine the life eternally thine the promise let there be thine the vision thine the tree all the earth on bended knee gone the railing gone the railing gone the pleading gone the cry gone the sighing gone the dying what was loss lifted high.
3 Thine the truly thine the yes thine the table we the guest thine the mercy all from thee thine the glory yet to be then the ringing and the singing then the end of all the war thine the living thine the loving evermore evermore.
4 Thine the kingdom thine the prize thine the wonder full surprise thine the banquet then the praise then the justice of thy ways thine the glory thine the story then the welcome to the least then the wonder all increasing at thy feast at thy feast.
5 Thine the glory in the night no more dying only light thine the river thine the tree then the Lamb eternally then the holy holy holy celebration jubilee thine the splendor thine the brightness only thee only thee.
Thine the Amen text by Herbert Brokering copyright © 1983 Augsburg Publishing House admin. Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Reproduced by permission. All rights reserved. No further reproduction allowed without the written permission of Augsburg Fortress Publishers.
Devotion
In addition to my pastoral work, I work part time as a chaplain at a minimum-security prison. There are no iron bars or fences to prohibit escape and those who have tried such are caught within hours. If someone tries, they will lose the right to complete their sentence in this rather idyllic setting as well as attending educational programs where new skills can be learned.
I am very conscious of the fact that any conversation I have with a resident may be a one-time event. Since I have worked there, four people who have died shortly after release. One was murdered violently. Another overdosed huffing aerosol; the other two died naturally after years of abusing their bodies with drugs and alcohol. Some have made remarkable recoveries. Others will need medical and psychological care for the rest of their lives.
At the end of an intense day, Herb Brokering's lovely hymn comes to mind. "Thine the amen, thine the praise; alleluias angels raise...." It's time to release the sad stories and trust them to the ultimate source of healing. "...gone the sighing, gone the dying; what was loss lifted high....thine the splendor, thine the brightness only thee only thee" Yes, thanks be to God, there is more.
Prayer
Take away our darkest fears and lead us to the light of your love where we can share the hope that reigns eternal through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.