Author: John Underwood Stephens; Denis Wortman Hymnal: The Hymnbook #520 (1955) Meter: 10.10.10.10 First Line: God of the prophets! Bless the prophets' sons Lyrics: 1 God of the prophets! Bless the prophets' sons;
Elijah's mantle o'er Elisha cast;
Each age its solemn task may claim but once;
Make each one nobler, stronger than the last.
2 Anoint them prophets! Bold and eloquent,
Thy whispered word from housetops to proclaim,
Evil to lash with love's pure chastisement,
The captive soul to free in Jesus' name.
3 Anoint them priests! Strong intercessors they
For pardon, and for charity and peace!
O might, with them, the world, though gone astray,
Pass into Christ's pure life of sacrifice!
4 Anoint them kings! Aye, kingly kings, O Lord:
Anoint them with the spirit of Thy Son:
Theirs, not a jeweled crown, a bloodstained sword;
Theirs, by sweet love, for Christ a kingdom won.
5 Make them apostles! Heralds of Thy cross;
Forth may they go to tell all realms Thy grace;
Inspired by Thee, may they count all but loss,
And stand at last with joy before Thy face.
Amen. Topics: Ministry, The; Ordination Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:26 Tune Title: TOULON
God of the Prophets!