Inspired by a little-known picture book from the pen of Bethany Tudor, this is a diary, of sorts, where I document some of my thoughts, activities, and ideas as I explore the challenges met by the characters in the story: hard work, the care and nurture of others, housekeeping skills, life changes, charity, community, and cooperation, among others. Like Samuel and Samantha, the ducks in the tale, I struggle and succeed, cope and celebrate, work and play, handling the tasks that come my way. I invite you to join me on my journey.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

With the Lord Begin Your Task

Being a Lutheran and it being Sunday, I must confess that I love hymns. This was the opening hymn at church this morning. First published in 1734, the tune was written much earlier by a pastor and theologian named Peter Frank (1616-1675). According to my Lutheran Hymnal, Moren-und Abend-segen wrote the text. May this hymn remind you, as it does me, of the many promises that God fulfills.
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With the Lord begin your task;
Jesus will direct it.
For his aid and counsel ask;
Jesus will perfect it.
Every morn with Jesus rise,
And when day is ended,
In his name then close your eyes;
Be to him commended.

Let each day begin with prayer,
Praise, and adoration.
On the Lord cast every care;
He is your salvation.
Morning, evening, and at night
Jesus will be near you,
Save you from the tempter’s might,
With his presence cheer you.

With the Savior at your side,
Foes need not alarm you;
In his promises confide,
And no ill can harm you.
All your trust and hope repose
In the mighty master,
Who in wisdom truly knows
How to stem disaster.

If your task be thus begun
With the Savior’s blessing,
Safely then your course will run,
Toward the promise pressing.
Good will follow everywhere
While you here must wander.
You at last the joy will share
In the mansions yonder.

Whatever you do in word and deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. --- Colossians 3:17 NASB

2 comments:

m said...

hi
like song nice hope to see more

http://mit11.blogspot.com/
http://mit2.blogspot.com/

Regards
mitesh

Kaitlin said...

Those are beautiful lyrics and SO true. Thanks for sharing! :)