In Times of Great Decision

A Hymn/Prayer Before Election Day

In times of great decision, Be with us, God, we pray
Give each of us a vision Of Jesus' loving way.
When louder words seem endless And other voices sure,
Remind us of your promise: Your love and truth endure.

O God, whose gifts are countless, You send us bearing peace.
You fill our dreams with justice For all communities.
You give us global neighbors That all may justly live.
May those we choose as leaders Reflect the life you give.

O God, you bridged the distance; You opened wide your door.
You call us by our presence To reach to serve the poor.
You teach us: Welcome strangers Seek justice on the earth
May those we choose as leaders See every person's worth.

You call on every nation To put aside all greed,
To care for your creation And for your ones in need,
To care for those in prison, For children, for the ill.
In times of great decision, may we choose leaders well.

Hymn Note: "In Times of Great Decision" was inspired by "Christian Principles in an Election Year" by the National Council of Churches USA: http://www.ncccusa.org/electionyearprinciplesguide.pdf. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette gives free one-time use of this hymn to congregations that support Church World Service.

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette is the co-pastor of the Limestone Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware and author of Gifts of Love: New Hymns for Today's Worship is a collection of 45 new hymns published by Geneva Press. A complete list of her hymns can be found at http://firstpresby.org/hymnlist.htm .
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