O Young and Fearless Prophet (EN 3040)

1

O young and fearless Prophet of ancient Galilee,

Thy life is still a summons to serve humanity;

To make our thoughts and actions less prone to please the crowd,

To stand with humble courage for truth with hearts uncowed.

2

We marvel at the purpose that held Thee to Thy course

While ever on the hilltop before Thee loomed the cross;

Thy steadfast face set forward where love and duty shone,

While we betray so quickly and leave Thee there alone.

3

O help us stand unswerving against war’s bloody way,

Where hate and lust and falsehood hold back Christ’s holy sway;

Forbid false love of country that blinds us to His call,

Who lifts above the nations the unity of all.

4

Stir up in us a protest against our greed for wealth,

While others starve and hunger and plead for work and health;

Where homes with little children cry out for lack of bread,

Who live their years sore burdened beneath a gloomy dread.

5

Create in us the splendor that dawns when hearts are kind,

That knows not race nor station as boundaries of the mind;

That learns to value beauty, in heart, or brain, or soul,

And longs to bind God’s children into one perfect whole.

6

O young and fearless Prophet, we need Thy presence here,

Amid our pride and glory to see Thy face appear;

Once more to hear Thy challenge above our noisy day,

Again to lead us forward along God’s holy way.