We Walk By Faith and Not By Sight

God, whose giving knows no ending,
from your rich and endless store –
nature’s wisdom, Jesus’ wonder,
costly cross, grave’s shattered door –

gifted by you, we turn by you,
offering up ourselves in praise;
thankful songs shall rise forever,
gracious donor of our days.

Skills and time are ours for pressing
toward the goals of Christ, your Son:
all at peace in health and freedom,
races joined, the Church made one.

Now direct our daily our daily labor,
we strive for self alone.
Born with talents, make us servants
fit to answer at your throne.

We walk by faith and not by sight;
no gracious words hear
from him who spoke as none e’er spoke;
but we believe him near.

We may not touch his hands and side,
nor follow where he trod;
but in his promise we rejoice;
and cry, “My Lord and God!”

Help then, O Lord, our unbelief;
and may our faith a-bound,
to call on you when you are near,
seek where you are found:

that, when our life of faith is done,
in realms of clear-er light
we may be-hold you as you are,
with full and end-less sight.

Treasure, too, you have entrusted,
gain through pow’rs your grace conferred,
ours to use for home and kindred,
and to spread the gospel word.

Open wide our hands in sharing,
as we heed Christ’s ageless call,
healing, teaching, and reclaiming,
serving you by loving all.

– Robert Edwards and Henry Alford