Looking Back, O God, We Wonder

Representative Text

Looking back, O God, we wonder of that time in history
When the early settlers gathered, building this community.
Children did their chores and played here; men and women worked the land.
Sundays, Lord, they knelt and prayed here, seeking your protecting hand.

Looking to your love, we worship as your people long have done,
Sharing bread and Word and friendship, singing praises to your Son.
Bricks of old are such a treasure, well-worn pews proclaim our past;
But your love beyond all measure is the treasure that will last.

Looking out, we see our neighbors, and—in each one—Jesus’ face.
God, we offer you our labors so that all will know your grace.
As we witness all around us, as we welcome strangers in,
As we help those lost and homeless, your church welcomes you again.

Looking on to where we’re going, God, we wonder what will be;
Yet we trust your Spirit, knowing you will guide our ministry.
You give each new generation ways to praise you, work to do;
God, be with this congregation as we keep on serving you.

Source: Songs of Grace: new hymns for God and neighbor #48

Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has been a pastor in rural, small town, suburban, and city churches; she has also served as a hospice chaplain, a hospital chaplain, and a school bus aide helping children with special needs. She and her husband Bruce are pastors of the First Presbyterian Union Church in Owego, NY. Carolyn is a gifted hymn writer who has written over 400 hymns. These hymns have been sung by congregations throughout the United States and around the world — from the Washington National Cathedral to St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland to St. George's Cathedral in Cape Town, South Africa to small town churches and small household congregations; they have also been sung at national church and international ecumenical meetin… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Looking back, O God, we wonder of that time in history
Title: Looking Back, O God, We Wonder
Original Language: English
Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (2006)
Meter: 8.7.8.7 D
Language: English
Publication Date: 2006
Copyright: Copyright © 2006 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved

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Text

Songs of Grace #48

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