We Thank Thee, Lord, Thy Paths of Service

Above:  Episcopal Church of the Common Ground, Atlanta, Georgia, Pentecost Sunday, May 28, 2012

Image Source = Bill Monk, Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta

Hymn Source = The Hymnbook (1955), Presbyterian and Reformed

Words (1919) by the Reverend Calvin Weiss Laufer (1874-1938), a minister of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. (1869-1958 version) and Assistant Editor of its 1933 Hymnal  (I have a copy.)

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1.  We thank thee, Lord, thy paths of service lead

To blazoned heights and down the slopes of need;

They reach thy throne, encompass land and sea,

And he who journeys in them walks with thee.

2.  We’ve sought and found thee in the secret place

And marveled at the radiance of thy face;

But often in some far-off Galilee

Beheld thee fairer yet while serving thee.

3.  We’ve felt thy touch in sorrow’s darkened way

Abound with love and solace for the day;

And, ‘neath the burdens there, thy sovereignty

Has held our hearts enthralled while serving thee.

4.  We’ve seen thy glory like a mantle spread

O’er hill and dale in saffron flame and red;

But in the eyes of men, redeemed and free,

A splendor greater yet while serving thee.