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Author: Denis Wortman, 1835-1922 Meter: 10.10.10.10 Appears in 61 hymnals Scripture: John 20:21-23 Lyrics: 1 God of the prophets, bless the prophet's 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, men who are intent
To be Your witnesses in word and deed,
Their hearts aflame, their lips make eloquent,
Their eyes awake to ev'ry human need.
3 Anoint them priests, strong intercessors they,
For pardon and for love and hope and peace,
That, through their pleading, guilty sinners may
Find Jesus' mercy and from sin release.
4 Anoint them kings, yes, kingly kings, O Lord.
Anoint them with the Spirit of Your Son.
Theirs not a jeweled crown, a blood-stained sword;
Theirs, by sweet love, for Christ a kingdom won.
5 Make them apostles, heralds of Your cross;
Forth let them go to tell the world of grace.
Inspired by You, may they count all but loss
And stand at last with joy before Your face.
Topics: Ordination, Installation Used With Tune: OLD 124TH, abbr.
God of the Prophets, Bless the Prophets' Sons