Daily Devotion – July 18, 2020 – Elwood Rieke
Matthew 10:40-42
“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”
If you were able to hear Pastor Erick’s sermon recently based on these words from Matthew’s gospel, you may recall that he cautioned us that we Christians can get caught up in what WE are doing as over against how God is the welcoming source of any good that results. As I reflected on my own need to take these words to heart, I was reminded of some “additional verses” that my history professor, Fred Meuser, at my seminary provided to the song “God Bless America.” I need to pray for my country, of course, but might there be a way to convey a more inclusive and fuller expression to the Christian outlook on the national and international human scene. Professor Meuser shared the following: “I do not assume these verses are great hymnody or poetry but many people who have read or heard them share my opinion that they could well be used in worship, especially on occasions when attention is given to our nation and its welfare, to world peace, to social justice, and similar concerns. If it commends itself to you for congregational use, please feel free to utilize it.”
Here are the verses and you may wish to hum the familiar tune:
Bless all the nations, Lord, not us alone. Bless all leaders with wisdom, with the light shinning bright from your throne. Bless the homeless and the hopeless, all the children, lost and lone. Bless all the nations, Lord, not us alone. Bless all the nations, Lord, not us alone.
Help us to love the world, just as you do. Fill our hearts, Lord, with Christ’s love, that we all may give glory to you. Bless the hungry and the weary, show us all what we can do. Help us to love the world, just as you do. Bring peace to all the world, we trust in you.
Where people fight and die, may conflict ceases. Touch the people in all lands, with a heartfelt commitment to peace. Heal all hatreds, calm all vengeance, from such passions bring release. Bless all the nations, Lord, so wars may cease. Give to all people, Lord, your wondrous peace.
Words copyright: F. Meuser 2002
Let us pray: We thank you, O Lord, that your love and grace is inclusive. We rejoice that you surround us with your welcoming embrace. Amen.
