Timothy Dudley Smith is an English hymn writer and retired bishop.
Tonight we sang ‘Lord, For The Years’.
Themes of personal salvation, the central importance of the Scriptures, prayer that the gospel will be received and the powerless and marginalised will be recognised flow and build to a strong affirmation that Christ will be glorified according to the purpose and power of God.
Here’s the lyrics from the Oremus online hymnal.
1.
Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,
urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way,
sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided:
Lord for the years, we bring our thanks today.
2.
Lord, for that word, the word of life which fires us,
speaks to our hearts and sets our souls ablaze,
teaches and trains, rebukes us and inspires us:
Lord of the word, receive your people’s praise.
3.
Lord, for our land in this our generation,
spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care:
for young and old, for commonwealth and nation,
Lord of our land, be pleased to hear our prayer.
4.
Lord, for our world where men disown and doubt you,
loveless in strength, and comfortless in pain,
hungry and helpless, lost indeed without you:
Lord of the world, we pray that Christ may reign.
5.
Lord for ourselves; in living power remake us-
self on the cross, and Christ upon the throne,
past put behind us, for the future take us:
Lord of our lives, to live for Christ alone.
Words: Timothy Dudley-Smith
Words © 1969 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188.
All rights reserved.
This YouTube features an organ rendition of the tune to which we sing these words.
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