Songs of Grace ‎#67

67. God, You Give Us Recreation

God, you give us recreation, rest and play when work is through,
Game and sport and celebration, times that challenge and renew.
In the days we spend together, in the feasts that we prepare,
In the times of joy and laughter, may we know your loving care.

Yet, O Lord, we see you crying for the ones who know no rest,
For your children, hungry, dying, for the homeless and oppressed.
May we, as your sons and daughters, share with open heart and hand,
Till your justice flows like water to the poor throughout the land.

Bless, O Christ, our gifts of caring, for we know without a doubt:
Soup and bread are made for sharing, hands are made for reaching out.
Even in our times of playing, may we keep the vision clear:
Keep us serving, loving, praying, welcoming your kingdom here.

Text Information

• First Line: God, you give us recreation, rest and play when work is through
• Title: God, You Give Us Recreation
• Author: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette (2000)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Scripture:
  Amos 5:24
  ;
  Deuteronomy 15:11
  ;
  Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
  ;
  Ecclesiastes 9:7-9
  ;
  Exodus 20:8
  ;
  Exodus 34:21
  ;
  Mark 6:32-44
  ;
  Matthew 6:10
• Topic: Mission; Nation/National Holidays; Recreation
• Copyright: Copyright © 2000 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved

Tune Information

• Name: IN BABILONE
• Arranger: Julius Röntgen (1855-1933) (1906)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7 D
• Key: G Major
• Source: Dutch melody