Author: Fred Pratt Green; Henrietta Ten Harmsel Hymnal: Lift Up Your Hearts #246 (2013) Meter: 8.7.8.7 D Scripture: Exodus 33:14 First Line: God is here! As we, your people Lyrics: 1 God is here! As we, your people,
meet to offer praise and prayer,
may we find in fuller measure
what it is in Christ we share.
Here, as in the world around us,
all our varied skills and arts
wait the coming of your Spirit
into open minds and hearts.
2 Here are symbols to remind us
of our lifelong need of grace;
here are table, font, and pulpit;
here the Word has central place.
Here in honesty of preaching,
here in silence as in speech,
here in newness and renewal
God the Spirit comes to each.
3 Here our children find a welcome
in the Shepherd's flock and fold;
here, as bread and wine are taken,
Christ sustains us as of old.
Here the servants of the Servant
seek in worship to explore
what it means in daily living
to believe and to adore.
4 Lord of all, of church and kingdom,
in an age of change and doubt,
keep us faithful to the gospel;
help us work your purpose out.
Here, in this day's celebration,
all we have to give, receive;
we who cannot live without you,
we adore you! We believe.
*5 In this time of celebration
we would offer special praise.
As we think of past and future,
vow anew to walk your ways.
Times of triumph, times of failure
still this song keeps ringing through:
Lord, your works cannot be numbered,
**Lord, our church belongs to you.
* Optional stanza for a church anniversary
** Can substitute name of church here
Topics: Change; Children; The Church; Occasional Services Anniversary; Occasional Services Dedication of Building; Hymns About Worship; Elements of Worship Opening of Worship: Called And Gathered Languages: English Tune Title: NETTLETON
God Is Here