Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Today’s Hymn            
By all your saints still striving, for all your saints at rest,
your holy name, O Jesus, forever more be blessed!
For those passed on before us, we sing our praise anew
and, walking in their footsteps, would live our lives for you.

We praise you for the Baptist, forerunner of the Word,
our true Elijah, making a highway for the Lord.
The last and greatest prophet, he saw the dawning ray
of light that grows in splendor until the perfect day.

All praise, O Lord, for Andrew, the first to welcome you,
whose witness to his brother named you Messiah true.
May we, with hearts kept open to you throughout the year
proclaim to friend and neighbor your advent ever near.

Horatio Bolton Nelson’s “By All Your Saints Still Striving” (tune: King’s Lynn)
from Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal

Reflection
This hymn recognizes the good deeds of those saints that have for many years walked before us, encouraging us to follow in their ways. I believe it is so important to have someone to look up to, yet, what good is it if we consider them holy and do not take into account their earthly flaws? Saints are flawed individuals; we are all flawed. The footsteps left behind of those before us were made with mistakes and they were made with error. Let us always remember the path taken to righteousness for all.

I love the quote by Thomas Edison: “I haven’t failed; I’ve just found 10,000 ways that don’t work.” Our paths should have steps laid down by the good deeds of others, but we must also be patient with our own progress in seeing the journey on which God is taking us. The more we act as one body of Christ, the more we appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of others.

Prayer
Lord, the day you have given me is filled with possibility. I pray that you bless it according to your will, forever guiding me down the road you have set for me. Let me always be attuned to the good deeds of others, all the while upholding my own virtues for the betterment of your love. Amen.

Written by Ashley Elskus, Director, Center for Life and Learning

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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