For All The Saints, ELW 422, verses 1, 2, 6, 7
Devotion
For all the saints who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
But then there breaks a yet more glorious day:
the saints triumphant rise in bright array;
the King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
We close this week of devotional thoughts with these words from a hymn usually sung the first Sunday in November, All Saints Sunday.
This hymn reminds us that:
1. Salvation is rooted in the words "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved..." (Acts 16:31). This is expressed by the hymn writer: "...thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest." (stanza 1)
2. Jesus surrounds us with prayer and presence (John 17:20-26). The hymn writer expresses this with the words: "...thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might" (stanza 2)
3. The promise of a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 22). The hymn expresses the newness "...But then there breaks a yet more glorious day." (stanza 6)
4. This new day, this new heaven and earth, will usher in a time of rejoicing and praise (Psalm 97:12) as the "countless host" sings to "Father, Son and Holy Ghost." (stanza 7)
Prayer
God of promise and fulfillment, your word sustains and strengthens me not only for today, but for my tomorrows as well. Guide me on my journey, led by Jesus who calls me by name to follow His guidance. On this journey I, with all You have called, rejoice in You and praise Your holy name. Amen.