Greetings to each of you! I hope this finds you well!
During our AHPC 2024 Summer Church I once again used hymnology as the foundation of my proclamation of God’s Word. A number of you told me that you found that a study of our hymns was fascinating and informative. Hymns are indeed a very important part of our worship, and have been since the very early days of the Christian church. Therefore, for my message to you this month, I want to present to you a 20th century hymn which is in our Glory To God Presbyterian Hymnbook. I had never before read or sung this hymn until recently and neither had Dr. Knott. We agreed that the text of this hymn has great meaning for our current age.
The hymn is Number 345 in our hymnbook and the Text was written by Martin E. Leckebusch. I hope you also find that it has great meaning.
IN AN AGE OF TWISTED VALUES
In an age of twisted values we have lost the truth we need
In sophisticated language we have justified our greed
By our struggle for possessions we have robbed the poor and weak Hear our cry and heal our nation
Your forgiveness, Lord, we seek.
We have built discrimination on our prejudice and fear
Hatred swiftly turns to cruelty if we hold resentments dear
For communities divided by the walls of race and class
Hear our cry and heal our nation
Show us, Lord, Your love and grace.
When our families are broken, when our homes are full of strife
When our children are bewildered
When they lose their way in life
When we fail to give the aged all the care we know they need
Hear our cry and heal our nation
help us show more love, we plead.
We who hear Your Word often choose so rarely to obey
Turn us from our willful wandering, give us truth to light our way
In the power of Your Spirit come to cleanse us, make us new
Hear our cry and heal our nation
Till our nation honors You.
Yours In Christ.
Chaplain Phil