523
God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian
1. God the Spirit, guide and guardian,
Wind-sped flame and hovering dove,
Breath of life and voice of prophets,
Sign of blessing, power of love:
Give to those who lead Your people
Fresh anointing of Your grace;
Send them forth as bold apostles
To Your church in every place.
2. Christ our Savior, Sovereign, Shepherd,
Word made flesh, Love crucified,
Teacher, healer, suffering Servant,
Friend of sinners, foe of pride:
In Your tending may all *pastors
Learn and live a Shepherd's care;
Grant them courage and compassion
Shown through word and deed and prayer.
3. Great Creator, Life-bestower,
Truth beyond all thought's recall,
Fount of wisdom, womb of mercy,
Giving and forgiving all:
As You know our strength and weakness,
So may those the church exalts
Oversee her life steadfastly,
Yet not overlook her faults.
4. Triune God, mysterious Being,
Undivided and diverse,
Deeper than our minds can fathom,
Greater than our creeds rehearse:
Help us in our varied callings
Your full image to proclaim,
That our ministries uniting
May give glory to Your name.
*or "elders" or "deacons."
WORDS: Carl P. Daw, Jr., 1988
MUSIC: Henry Thomas Smart, 1867
Theme: Sacraments and Ordinances