For the children of Grace Lutheran School
Fall 2010

On the first day of creation
When the universe was dark,
God’s spirit swept the waters.
God’s voice set off the spark:
“Let there be light”
In the morning, all the day.
Let your light shine as you praise
the God who formed you out of clay.

Shepherds in dark fields abiding
Trembled when an angel bright
Appeared and spoke the good news,
A Savior born that night.
Christ, the true light,
A new kingdom would bring in.
Let your light shine as you praise
the God who sets you free from sin.

When the women came with spices
At the dawn of Easter Day
They found the tomb was empty
The stone was rolled away
“He is not here,
He is risen as he said.”
Let your light shine as you praise
the God who died and yet who lives.

With a rush of wind the Spirit
Set disciples’ hearts aflame.
They told of God’s great promise,
Proclaimed in Jesus’ name,
Light to the ones
Who believe and are baptized.
Let your light shine as you praise
the God who made you his own child.

8 7 7 6 4 7 7 8

August 2010, Easter stanza added in March 2011

For the children of Grace Lutheran School
Fall 2011

In your mercy, Lord, you’ve blessed us,
In our homes and church and school,
Given food and clothes and shelter,
Parents, friends, and teachers, too.
Yet we ask another blessing
As we gather in this place,
Grant us grace to grow in wisdom.
Grant us wisdom to see grace.

We are hungry, Lord, for knowledge
As our minds and bodies grow.
In the world that you’ve created
There is always more to know.
In our studies and our learning
Grant us grace to realize
That you are the one who made us
And that you alone are wise.

Though your care, O Lord, surrounds us,
It is hard for us to see
Since so many things can blind us
To the truth that sets us free.
Grant us grace to sense your presence
In a neighbor’s tearful face.
Grant us wisdom to show mercy
As your Son has shown us grace.

Grant us blessings of your Spirit:
Patience, kindness, self-control,
Open hearts and joyful spirits,
Generous and peaceful souls.
We rely on you to guide us,
As your will on earth is done.
Let us grow in grace and wisdom,
Trusting in your perfect love.

Musical setting by Michael D. Costello, August 2011, for the students of Grace Lutheran School, River Forest, Illinois

Alternate (non-school) texts for stanzas one and two

In your mercy, Lord, you’ve blessed us,
Every day with gifts anew
Given food and clothes and shelter,
Family, friends, vocation, too.
Yet we ask another blessing
As we come before your face,
Grant us grace to grow in wisdom.
Grant us wisdom to see grace.

We are hungry, Lord, for knowledge
For our minds to change and grow
In the world that you’ve created
There is so much more to know.
In our worship and our living

Communion hymn

Blessed are you, O Lord our God,
You bring forth bread from earth.
We plant the grain, we reap, we bake, 
Yet it is all your work.

Here in your sacred feast you come
To us as unseen guest,
Yet when the bread is lifted up
We recognize our host.

As broken one, as Lamb of God,
Your presence is made known.
Our troubled minds, our guilty hearts
You call to be your own.

The meal we celebrate reveals
The healing power of grace.
In golden wine we taste and see
The sunshine of your face.

Thus fed by you we go in peace
And serve as you command.
We work your fields, we till your soil
Blessed by your loving hand.

8.6.8.6.

Originally written for Thanksgiving Day 2009, at Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest Illinois
Revised November, 2012.

For the children of Grace Lutheran School
Fall 2012

Phiippians 4:4

Trusting the grace and peace of God
Behind his prison bars,
Paul praised Christ who gave up his life,
Saying Christ’s mind must be ours.
Children of God, obedient and pure,
Rejoice in the Lord.

Refrain
Rejoice in the Lord always,
Again I say rejoice.
Rejoice in the Lord always,
Again I say rejoice.

Living with gentleness and joy
Share Christ in all you do.
Thank the Lord in praising and prayer
And God’s peace will be with you.
Children of God, do not be afraid,
Rejoice in the Lord.

Refrain