O God of Mercy, God of Light, ELW 714
1 O God of mercy, God of light,
in love and mercy infinite,
teach us, as ever in your sight
to live our lives in you.
2 You sent your Son to die for all,
that our lost world might hear your call;
oh, hear us lest we stray and fall!
We rest our hope in you.
3 Teach us the lesson Jesus taught:
to feel for those his blood has bought,
that ev'ry deed and word and thought
may work a work for you.
4 For all are kindred, far and wide,
since Jesus Christ for all has died;
grant us the will, and grace provide,
to love them all in you.
5 In sickness, sorrow, want or care,
may we each other's burdens share;
may we, where help is needed, there
give help as though to you.
6 And may your Holy Spirit move
all those who live to live in love,
till you receive in heav'n above
all those who live in you.
Devotion
If we played a hymn version of former game shows Don't Forget the Lyrics or The Singing Bee, we might successfully remember the refrain and first verse (hence, hymnals' first line indexes!). Beyond initial lyrics, we might end up simply humming along. However, by lingering through later verses, such as O God of Mercy, God of Light's fifth verse, we find key truths to living our faith.
Verse five prays that we bring comfort to our neighbors by sharing support, helping faithfully and serving lovingly as God's instruments of healing. This week's Epiphany texts focus on Christ's light to all people through his public ministry of healing. There are many ways—prayer, financial support and action—through which we can bring healing into our world. Today is National Shut-in Visitation Day. Why not visit someone who is a shut-in? What better way to reflect Christ's healing light to the world?
Prayer
Compassionate God, we praise you for your healing. We implore you to remember all your children who are ill or shut-in as well as to strengthen their caregivers. Guide us to serve as your instruments of healing, companionship and love so that we reflect your light to all the world. Amen.