God of Grace

Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to act in accordance with all the law that my servant Moses commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, so that you may be successful wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful. I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’
Joshua 1:7-9

 God of Grace and God of Glory LBW 415

 1    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.

2    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,

3    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.

4    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.

Text: Harry E. Fosdick, 1878-1969

 Harry E. Fosdick was one of the leaders of the “Liberal Protestantism” movement of the early 20th century.  He pastored the famed Riverside Church (where William Sloane Coffin would later serve) in New York City, and wrote this hymn as a dedicatory hymn for the dedication of the new sanctuary in 1930.  In this case the word “liberal” meant a commitment to social justice, and Riverside (a Baptist congregation) has had a history of being at the heart of many such issues. This hymn was meant to serve as a prayer of dedication for the new building, but actually works on any day we find ourselves dealing with times of crisis - like now!  “Grant us wisdom, grant us courage…”  That is very good advice indeed!

Prayer:  God of grace and glory, stand with your people in times of uncertainty. Help us to seek you, to hear you and to listen to you! Grant us wisdom, for the facing of this hour! Amen.