Here’s
a mostly-new hymn from Rev. Barry Bordenkircher, Senior Minister at St. Paul
United Church of Christ, N. College Hill, Ohio. The first stanza is adapted
from the original hymn (“Once to Every Man and Nation”), but the rest are
original.
Once to Ev’ry Soul and Nation
or another
appropriate 8.7.8.7.D tune)
Once,
to ev’ry soul and nation
comes
the moment to decide,
in
the strife of truth with falsehood,
for
the good or evil side;
some
great cause, God's new beginning,
offering
each the bloom or blight,
and
the choice goes by forever;
'twixt
illusion and clear sight!
Once,
our Master Jesus taught us
Where
our highest trust to place,
Where
to find enlightened guidance:
Only
look upon God’s “face”.
Still
we vest in human wisdom
Full
allegiance, faith and pow’r;
Then
in fear and doubt we clamber
Ego’s
false, divisive tower.
“Seek
ye first God’s grace-filled ‘kingdom,’
Build
belov’d community,
Love
your brother and your sister
As
I love and cherish thee!”
This
commandment laid before us
Is
the Spirit’s beckon call;
Choose
new paths where God will lead us,
Tearing
down all Ego’s walls!
Frequently
to ev’ry Christian
Comes
a moment to decide,
Comes
a chance to see new vistas,
And
with God to walk ‘long side!
This
our prayer, our expectation
As
we now discern a choice:
Spirit
guiding, prophets heeding,
We
hear God’s clear “still small voice!”
~
written by Rev. Barry Bordenkircher, Senior Minister at St. Paul United Church
of Christ, N. College Hill, Ohio
