This weekend as we celebrate the 240th anniversary of the birthday of our nation, I remember the words of this old hymn, “God Of Our Fathers”. The text was written by Daniel C. Roberts in 1876 for the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It was written for a small, patriotic celebration in Vermont, and used the music from another hymn. Then in 1892 George W. Warren wrote original music to go along with the words. The hymn praises not only our patriotic feelings but celebrates the presence and our thankfulness for our God who continues to shower us with blessings and asks that He continue to do so far into the future.
Read the words and see if you agree they are timeless and are particularly important today.
“God of our fathers, whose almighty hand,
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies,
Our grateful songs before thy throne arise.
Thy love divine hath led us in the past;
In this free land by thee our lot is cast.
Be thou our Ruler, Guardian, Guide, and Stay,
Thy word our law, thy paths our chosen way.
From war’s alarms, from deadly pestilence,
Be thy strong arm our ever-sure defense.
Thy true religion in our hearts increase.
Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.
Refresh thy people on their toilsome way,
Lead us from night to never-ending day;
Fill all our lives with love and grace divine,
And glory, laud, and praise be ever thine.”
May you all have a safe and blessed July 4th holiday!
Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church 