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Lord, You Give the Great Commision
1. Lord, you give the great commission:
"Heal the sick and preach the word."
Lest the church neglect its mission,
And the gospel go unheard,
Help us witness to your purpose
With renewed integrity;
With the Spirit's gifts empower us
For the work of ministry.
2. Lord, you call us to your service:
"In my name baptize and teach."
That the world may trust your promise,
Life abundant meant for each,
Give us all new fervor, draw us
Closer in community;
With the Spirit's gifts empower us
For the work of ministry.
3. Lord, you make the common holy:
"This my body, this my blood."
Let us all, for earth's true glory,
Daily lift life heavenward,
Asking that the world around us
Share your children's liberty;
With the Spirit's gifts empower us
For the work of ministry.
4. Lord, you show us love's true measure:
"Father, what they do, forgive."
Yet we hoard as private treasure
All that you so freely give.
May your care and mercy lead us
To a just society;
With the Spirit's gifts empower us
For the work of ministry.
5. Lord, you bless with words assuring:
"I am with you to the end."
Faith and hope and love restoring,
May we serve as you intend,
And, amid the cares that claim us,
Hold in mind eternity;
With the Spirit's gifts empower us
For the work of ministry.
WORDS: Jeffery W. Rowthorn, 1978
MUSIC: Cyril Vincent Taylor, 1941
Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20 Luke 10:9 Luke 23:34 I Corinthians 11:23-25
Theme: Church