For love that doesnโt change, O God, we give our thanks to you.
No credit to us people, though. Your love is nothing new.
When in distress we cry and find a different, broader place;
where nobody can harm us, for weโre in your strong embrace.
—–
When we take refuge in you, Lord, the haters have no chance.
Their powโr and rank mean nothing, for you view them in askance.
They sting like bees and blaze like thorns; they push on evโry side.
Weโre confident in you, O God. You are our strength and might.
—–
The righteous sing of victory won by the Lordโs right hand.
We shall not die, but live to tell Godโs deeds throughout the land.
The gates of righteousness stand widely open in advance.
That we may enter to give thanks in voice and song and dance.
—–
The stone that was rejected when the builders set the wall
became the one to bear the weight so others wouldnโt fall.
This is the day the Lord has made. Be glad in it, rejoice!
We ask you, God, to grant success, for we are yours by choice.
—–
Bless everyone who in Godโs name has come to any place
rejoicing in Godโs steadfast love and everflowing grace.
For love that doesnโt change, O God, we offer thanks to you.
Your light has shined upon us. Weโll respond by shining, too.
———-
Photo: by Karl Groendal on Unsplash
Source: Psalm 118
Text: ยฉ David Alexander, 2020
Tune: Spes Celestis, Public Domain
Score: https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/Score_PDF/HowHappyEveryChild-SpesCelestis.pdf
Audio: www.smallchurchmusic.com Used by Permission