0527B DEAR LORD AND FATHER OF MANKIND (SONG OF THE WEEK)

DEAR LORD AND FATHER OF MANKIND

(Back in the mid-1980s, I was struck by the depth and beauty of the text for the hymn "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind." I wanted to personalize it and update the text a bit, but mostly I felt like it needed new music that would match what I was hearing in the text. Margaret recorded the song on her 1989 album, and when I was rediscovering the album I recalled this song, which I share here with you. Thank you, sister, for doing tis so beautifully.)

Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive my foolish ways

Reclothe me in my rightful mind, in purer life Thy service find

In deeper reverence, praise.

In simple trust like theirs who heard beside the Syrian Sea

the gracious calling of the Lord. Let me, like them, without a word

rise up and follow Thee.

Breathe through the heat of my desires

Thy coolness and Thy balm

Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire

Speak through the earthquake, wind and fire...

Drop Thy still dews of quietness 'til all my strivings cease.

Take from my soul the strain and stress

And let my ordered life confess the beauty of Thy peace.