New Hymns for the Lectionary
Proper 18C - Gospel
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Our Greatest Psalms
TEXT: Mark Ryman (2004) based on Luke 14:25-33.
TUNE: "Sine Nomine" by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958).

You have made us to give you all our praise
Throughout our duties and through all our days
We then will work to quicken all our ways.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Nothing we do or say can change a thing;
we are but servants of the Only King
who made the worlds in their orbits to sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Still our poor lives can sing with orbs on high
and lend you our lifesong before we die
For your lifeblood our praise is best reply.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Let’s spend our days in praise and triumph’s song
for victory that changed our lives from wrong
—tuned them to Him to whom we now belong.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Then shall our lives become our greatest psalms—
laying them down as old with coats and palms—
joining with stones to sing the age-old song.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

The Lesson - Luke 14:25-33

       So much would stand in the way of our relationship with God. Work and other duties, of course, clamor for our attentions. Friendships often push aside the greatest Friend we have. Family also often gets higher priority. But Jesus will have none of this. “Let the dead bury the dead.” Christ calls us to living relationships and so, we must act as though truly alive. Giving priority to relationships and duties that are not eternal is unproductive and does not please God. When God bids us follow him, parents, siblings, spouses, jobs, and even church must not stand in the way. Give him your life and live as you have never lived before.

The copy on this page, including the hymn and commentary, is copyrighted by Mark Ryman. © 2004.
I use CYBER HYMNAL for all of my tunes, which means you can use the tune yourself.
You may freely use these hymn lyrics and/or commentary in whole or in part for study and/or worship
as long as you use the following citation: "©2004 Mark Ryman. More hymns at edoxy.com."

If you would, please email me, letting me know how you have used the hymn(s). That would be a blessing.
If you wish to publish this or any of my hymns, you must of course gain my permission. © Mark Ryman

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