God of Grace and God of Glory, ELW 705
Devotion
God of grace and God of glory,
on your people pour your pow'r;
crown your ancient church's story;
bring its bud to glorious flow'r.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.
Lo! the hosts of evil round us
scorn the Christ, assail his ways!
From the fears that long have bound us
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the living of these days,
for the living of these days,
Cure your children's warring madness;
bend our pride to your control;
shame our wanton, selfish gladness,
rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
lest we miss your kingdom's goal,
lest we miss your kingdom's goal.
Save us from weak resignation
to the evils we deplore;
let the gift of your salvation
be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
serving you whom we adore,
serving you whom we adore.
"God of Grace and God of Glory" was written by Harry E. Fosdick in 1930 for the opening dedication of Riverside Church in Manhattan.
The hymn is a prayer pleading with God to grant the church wisdom and courage. "Grant us wisdom, grant us courage" is repeated in each verse as a reminder of what the church needs in order to be faithful in every generation. Since the Great Depression, many social ills, wars and tragedies have challenged the church in every decade. Yet, this glorious hymn has remained a rich reminder not to be afraid to do the right thing in the midst of evil and adversity.
The prayer in the third verse is as needed today as it was 83 years ago: "Cure your children's warring madness; Bend our pride to your control; Shame our wanton, selfish gladness, Rich in things and poor in soul. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, lest we miss your kingdom's goal."
Prayer
God of grace and glory, pour your power on us. Grant us wisdom and courage as we face each day. Do not allow us to lose hope, or confidence in your promises, as we serve you whom we adore. Amen!