471
O Praise the Gracious Power
1. O praise the gracious power
That tumbles walls of fear
And gathers in one house of faith
All strangers far and near:
We praise You, Christ!
Your cross has made us one!
2. O praise persistent truth
That opens fisted minds
And eases from their anxious clutch
The prejudice that blinds:
We praise You, Christ!
Your cross has made us one!
3. O praise inclusive love,
Encircling every race,
Oblivious to gender, wealth,
To social rank or place:
We praise You, Christ!
Your cross has made us one!
4. O praise the word of faith
That claims us as God's own,
A living temple built on Christ,
Our rock and cornerstone:
We praise You, Christ!
Your cross has made us one!
5. O praise the tide of grace
That laps at every shore
With visions of a world at peace,
No longer bled by war:
We praise You, Christ!
Your cross has made us one!
6. O praise the power, the truth,
The love, the word, the tide.
Yet more than these, O praise their source,
Praise Christ the crucified:
We praise You, Christ!
Your cross has made us one!
7. O praise the living Christ
With faith's bright songful voice!
Announce the gospel to the world
And with these words rejoice:
We praise You, Christ!
Your cross has made us one!
WORDS: Thomas H. Troeger, 1984
MUSIC: Carol Doran, 1984
Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22
Theme: Morning and Opening Hymns