Author: Brian A. Wren, 1936- Hymnal: The Book of Praise #510 (1997) Topics: Desert / Wilderness; God Name of; Hope; Law; Mystery; Promise; Prophets; The Bible Lyrics: 1 Deep in the shadows of the past,
far out from settled lands,
some nomads traveled with their God
across the desert sands.
The dawning hope of humankind
by them was sensed and shown:
a promise calling them ahead,
a future yet unknown.
2 While others bowed to changeless gods,
they met a mystery,
invisible, without a name:
"I AM WHAT I WILL BE";
and by their tents, around their fires
in story, song and law,
they praised, remembered, handed on
a past that promised more.
3 From Exodus to Pentecost
the promise changed and grew,
while some, remembering the past,
recorded what they knew,
or with their letters and laments,
their prophecy and praise,
recovered, kindled, and expressed
new hope for changing days.
4 For all the writings that survived,
for leaders long ago,
who sifted, copied and preserved
the Bible that we know,
give thanks, and find its story yet
our promise, strength and call,
the model of emerging faith,
alive with hope for all. Scripture: Genesis 12:1-5 Languages: English Tune Title: KINGSFOLD
Deep in the shadows of the past
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