“God, Whose Purpose Is to Kindle”

“God, Whose Purpose Is to Kindle”
1. God, whose purpose is to kindle,
Now ignite us with your fire.
While the earth awaits your burning,
With your passion us inspire.
Overcome our sinful calmness,
Stir us with your saving name.
Baptize with your fiery Spirit,
Crown our lives with tongues of flame.
2. God, who in your holy gospel
Wills that all should truly live,
Make us sense our share of failure,
Our tranquility forgive.
Teach us courage as we struggle
In all liberating strife.
Lift the smallness of our vision
By your own abundant life.
3. God, who still a sword delivers
Rather than a placid peace,
With your sharpened sword disturb us,
From complacency release!
Save us now from satisfaction,
When we privately are free,
Yet are undisturbed in spirit
By our neighbor’s misery.
Text by David E. Trueblood (1900-1994), (C) 1967
Hymn Tune, HOLY MANNA, 87 87 D; Thomas Moore