THE FIRST DAY OF NOVEMBER IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN.
Beginning about the last quarter of the 20th century, self-styled evangelicals in America enjoyed unprecedented attention, opportunities and esteem. Many Christians served Christ faithfully and “made the most of the times” (Eph. 5:8-16). However, many others wasted their opportunities, copied the world’s power-model instead of Jesus’ model of service, and bogged down in culture wars to the neglect of proclaiming and living the gospel. The result was a new climate of distrust, indifference and undisguised hostility. But God is still on the throne and prayer is still our greatest tool. The following hymn, “God of Grace and God of Glory,” by Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878-1969), is a prayer, and its words have never been more timely–in the USA and everywhere around the world.
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God of grace and God of glory, on Thy people pour Thy power.
Crown Thine ancient church’s story, bring her bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour.
Lo! the hosts of evil ’round us, scorn Thy 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.
Cure Thy children’s warring madness, bend our pride to Thy control.
Shame our wanton selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, lest we miss Thy kingdom’s goal.
Set our feet on lofty places, gird our lives that they may be
Armored with all Christ-like graces in the fight to set men free.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, that we fail not man nor Thee.
Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore.
Let the search for Thy salvation be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, serving Thee Whom we adore.
(To listen to tune, go to: www.cyberhymnal.org/ )
