I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will counsel you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8 KJV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)
Today I received a phone call from our former church asking if I would be available to play organ for a funeral on Wednesday. I agreed to play the funeral and then realized that I hadn’t played organ in over a year; better go practice! So, tonight I went there and spent most of an hour reaquainting my hands and feet (and mind and heart) with classical organ music and hymns. It was a wonderful time of reconnecting with old “friends” in the hymnal and hearing familiar texts and tunes again.
One of the songs I came across I make today’s prayer.
God, grant us wisdom and courage for the facing of each hour.
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,
For the facing of this hour.
God, in a time when much looks so dark, please help us be courageous lights.
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,
For the living of these days.
God, when we struggle with fears and attack, protect us, free us and help us trust and praise you.
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,
Lest we miss Thy kingdom’s goal.
God, we pray for peace in the world and peace in our souls.
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,
Serving Thee Whom we adore.*
God, let us run with endurance the race you have set for us and help us find your glory, your wisdom, your courage. May our lives be a pleasing offering to you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
* “God of Grace and God of Glory” by Harry E. Fosdick