This 9 11 hymn was written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. It was commissioned by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for the congregational resource Out of the Depths: Voices of the Presbyterian Faith Community at Work After September 11, an anniversary publication.
God, We’ve Known Such Grief and Anger
God, we've known such grief and anger
As we've heard your people cry.
We have asked you, "How much longer?"
We have sadly wondered, "Why?"
In this world of so much suffering,
May we hear your word anew:
"I will never leave you orphaned;
I will not abandon you."
By your grace comes resurrection;
By your love, you cast out fear.
You give strength and sure direction
As we seek to serve you here.
You give comfort to the grieving,
And you bless the ones who mourn.
May we trust in you, believing
Out of chaos, hope is born.
Hope is ours for, God, you love us!
You have claimed us by your grace.
And through Jesus, you have called us
To bring hope to every place.
In each rescue worker's caring,
In each faithful volunteer,
In each Christian's love and sharing,
God, we glimpse your kingdom here.
Tune suggestion: IN BABILONE 8.7.8.7 D ("There's a Wideness in God's Mercy").
As we've heard your people cry.
We have asked you, "How much longer?"
We have sadly wondered, "Why?"
In this world of so much suffering,
May we hear your word anew:
"I will never leave you orphaned;
I will not abandon you."
By your grace comes resurrection;
By your love, you cast out fear.
You give strength and sure direction
As we seek to serve you here.
You give comfort to the grieving,
And you bless the ones who mourn.
May we trust in you, believing
Out of chaos, hope is born.
Hope is ours for, God, you love us!
You have claimed us by your grace.
And through Jesus, you have called us
To bring hope to every place.
In each rescue worker's caring,
In each faithful volunteer,
In each Christian's love and sharing,
God, we glimpse your kingdom here.
Tune suggestion: IN BABILONE 8.7.8.7 D ("There's a Wideness in God's Mercy").
Biblical References: John 14:18; I John 4:18; Matthew 5:11, 28:16-20; and John 17:18.
Text by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, copyright © 2002. All rights reserved.
See also this new hymn Carolyn wrote for the tenth anniversary of 911 (September 11, 2011): “O God, Our Hearts Were Shattered.”
For more worship resources for the tenth anniversary of 9 11, click on September 11 Worship in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
