Lutheran Seminary – Moved by the Promise – God Pause - Sunday, 2 February 2013 – "To Be Your Presence" ELW 546

Lutheran Seminary – Moved by the Promise – God Pause - Sunday, 2 February 2013 – "To Be Your Presence" ELW 546

Being called to be God's presence in the world is no easy calling. In fact, sometimes it can feel daunting, overwhelming, even burdensome. We look around and see mountains of pain and valleys of despair caused by human greed and injustice, and we wonder if we can make any kind of a difference. But look again at Delores Duffner's simple text. It is punctuated by an "alleluia." To be God's presence is not a burden; it is a blessing and a privilege. Blessed are those who speak up for the broken and oppressed. Blessed are those who speak words of hope. Blessed are those who show the love of God to neighbor and adversary alike. What greater mission can there be? What greater privilege exists, than to be God's presence in the world? Doesn't being part of such a mission deserve an "alleluia?" Or even a lifetime of alleluias?

The text for today's hymn cannot be published due to copyright limitations. We apologize for the inconvenience.

When we are weighed down by the burden of your calling, O God, renew the joy of your mission within us. Amen. Alleluia!

Scott Tunseth

General Editor, Fortress Press, Minneapolis, Minn.

Master of Divinity , 1983

“To Be Your Presence” by Delores Duffner

To be your presence is our mission here,

to show compassion's face and listening ear,

to be your heart of mercy ever near,

alleluia!

We are your heart, O Christ, your hands and voice,

to serve your people is our call and choice,

and in this mission we, the church, rejoice,

alleluia!

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Luther Seminary

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Saint Paul, MN 55108 United States

(651)641-3456

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