Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Hope of the World

161 Hope of the World

1. Hope of the world, O Christ of great compassion:
   speak to our fearful hearts by conflict rent;
   save us, your people, from consuming passion,
   who by our own false hopes and aims are spent.

2. Hope of the world, God's gift from highest heaven,
   bringing to hungry souls the bread of life:
   still let your Spirit unto us be given
   to heal earth's wounds and end her bitter strife.

3. Hope of the world, afoot on dusty highways,
   showing to wandering souls the path of light:
   walk now beside us, lest the tempting byways
   lure us away from you to endless night.

4. Hope of the world, who by your cross did save us
   from death and dark despair, from sin and guilt:
   we render back the love your mercy gave us;
   take now our lives and use them as you will.

5. Hope of the world, O Christ, o'er death victorious,
   who by this sign did conquer grief and pain:
   we would be faithful to your gospel glorious;
   you are our Lord, and you forever reign!
                         Georgia Harkness
                         The Methodist Hymnal 1964 edition

<idle musing>
You definitely should take a few minutes to read this woman's biography at the link above. She was the first woman to teach theology at a seminary in the US. She also confronted Barth in 1948 on his female subordination position—refuting him point-by-point. (He didn't take it well.)

May her tribe increase!
</idle musing>

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