Two New Hymns: We Have Often Called You “Father” and Christ According To Your Measure

Post Author: Diana Carroll

We have often called You “Father.”

We have often called You “Lord.”

We have spoken of Your “kingdom,”

and of “mankind’s” rich reward.

We have sung a thousand praises

to the holy Trinity—

Father, Son and Holy Spirit—

to a God we know as “He.”

II.

Yes, our theologians tell us

You transcend all gendering,

but we paint a diff’rent picture

with the words we say and sing.

We place human limits on You,

granting You both sex and race,

even though we know Your image

can be seen in every face.

III.

If we seek to change our language,

taking out what might offend,

making worship gender neutral,

following the current trend,

then instead of “God the Father,”

we will praise “Creator God.”

And in place of any pronoun

simply say, “God, God, God, God.”

IV.

Yet with worship safely altered

to include all humankind,

still we feel the strangest longing

for the language left behind.

Gone the richness of tradition.

Gone the ancient imag’ry.

Gone the words we learned as children,

words that set our spirits free.

V.

Some say we should call you “Mother.”

Others like the old way best.

Some are terrified of changing.

Some can never let things rest.

But we know that You are greater

than our words can ever tell.

Teach us how we best can name you.

Teach us how to praise you well.

Christ According To Your Measure

Suggested Tune: AUSTRIAN HYMN

I.

Christ, according to your measure

you have given each one grace.

Once, for us to earth descended,

now you fill all time and space.

And to this, your humble body

you have given gifts indeed.

So today we thank and praise you

for the gift of those who lead.

II.

Some are prophets, some apostles.

Some are preachers of good news.

Some are pastors, some are teachers.

All are gifted as you choose.

To equip God’s chosen people

for the work of ministry:

Building up your holy body

till we come to unity.

III.

Christ, who led us to this calling

make us worthy of the call.

One in faith and one in spirit,

one in God who is in all.

With humility and patience,

help us keep the bond of peace,

bearing with each other’s failings,

so that hope and love increase.

IV.

Christ, we are your living body,

knit together, each to each,

growing up into your stature

till maturity we reach.

As we seek a deeper knowledge

of the One whose name we bear,

Give the gifts that are most needed.

Lead us in the work we share.