O Christ, Who Called the Twelve

Apostles

Image Source = Stanp

Hymn Source = Lutheran Service Book (2006), of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod

Words (in 1993) by the Reverend Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr. (1923-2007), a minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and President of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (1976-1989)

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1.  O Christ, who called the Twelve

To rise and follow You,

Forsaking old, familiar ways

For ventures bold and new:

Grant us to hear Your call

To risk security

And, bound in heart and will to You,

Find perfect liberty.

2.  O Christ, who taught the Twelve

The truth for ages sealed,

Whose words and works awakened faith,

The ways of God revealed:

Instruct us now, we pray,

By Your empow’ring Word.

True teacher, be for all who seek

Their light, their life, their Lord.

3.  O Christ, who led the Twelve

Among the desolate

And broke as bread of life for all

Your love compassionate:

Lead us along the ways

Where hope has nearly died

And help us climb the lonely hills

Where love is crucified.

4.  O Christ, who sent the Twelve

On roads they’d never trod

To serve, to suffer, teach, proclaim

The nearer reign of God:

Send us on ways where faith

Transcends timidity,

Where love informs and hope sustains

Both life and ministry.

5.  O Christ, th’apostles’ Lord,

The martyrs’ strength and song,

The crucified and risen King

To whom the saints belong:

Though generations pass,

Our tribute still we bring,

Our hymns a sacrifice of praise,

Our lives an offering.