Author: Alan Luff (1928-) Hymnal: Common Praise (1998) #302 (1998) Meter: 6.6.6.6.8.8 Scripture: 1 Kings 8:22-30 Lyrics: 1 They did not build in vain
who founded here a church
as witness to God's love
amid a world of pain,
for still, to those who wish to see,
this place proclaims God's mystery.
2 They built upon the rock
that is the risen Lord,
the one foundation laid
which stands each earthly shock;
that, Spirit filled, we here might raise,
as living temples, prayer and praise.
3 Those who have loved this place,
a cloud of witnesses,
surround and urge us on
as we now run our race,
and so we lay aside each sin
in our desire to strive and win.
4 Though the horizon's bend
conceals the way ahead,
the footprints on the road
show Christ waits at the end;
in him alone our faith shall stand
who waits for us at God's right hand.
5 In every place our world
is storm and tempest tossed;
the flames of fear and hate
are evil's flags unfurled;
yet still the Spirit's wind and fire
pour gifts for service in this hour.
6 Here is our meeting place,
where doubt finds grounds of faith;
where hurt finds healing love,
our penitence your grace;
where bridging time to eternity
is God the holy Trinity. Topics: Aniversary of Parish/Church; Church Languages: English Tune Title: LITTLE CORNARD
They Did Not Build in Vain
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