“Amazing Grace,” ELW 779
1 Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
2 T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
the hour I first believed.
3 Through many dangers, toils and snares
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far
and Grace will lead us home.
4 The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
5 When we've been here ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we've first begun.
Devotion
Amazing grace! That's the song of the prodigal son who felt like a wretch who shared a bed with prostitutes and ended up eating in a pig pen. But deep within his soul, he knew this was not his real home. This was not where he belonged. Coming to his senses, like a dog hanging his tail between his legs, he repents, allowing the Father’s welcoming love to lead him home again.
That great homecoming fiesta was music to his ears. What more do we need to say about God’s grace in our own lives? 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come; 'tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
Sing it. Dance it. Believe it. Live it. Rejoice in it.
Prayer
Good God, renew in us the wonder of your grace to all people and us. Put that song in our hearts, lips and lives. Amen.