Ordination Hymn

I wrote this hymn for my ordination service and ended up using it in my installation service as well. I originally envisioned it being sung to the tune of Coronation (Presbyterian Hymnal #142), but the meter is 8.6.8.6.8.6. so it works for a couple other songs in the Presbyterian Hymnal (453 - O Holy City, Seen of John, 490 - Carol's Gift). It felt appropriate to begin and end the songs with praise. In the middle verses I tried to touch on some of the ups and downs of ministry (of all kinds, not just pastoral). Let me know what you think!

Called Forth to Serve

Praise to the Lord our God above, from whom all blessings flow,

Who grants an everlasting love, to whom all thanks we owe,

Who grants an everlasting love, to whom all thanks we owe.

Called forth to serve the world by God, to nurture and sustain,

Take up the loyal shepherd's rod, proclaim God’s holy name,

Take up the loyal shepherd's rod, proclaim God’s holy name.

Amidst deep pain obey the call, to heed the mournful cries,

With grace-filled acts both large and small, you dry the tearful eyes,

With grace-filled acts both large and small, you dry the tearful eyes.

When in God's service hope is found, rejoice most graciously,

Thanks to our Lord we’re kingdom bound, our Maker’s face to see,

Thanks to our Lord we’re kingdom bound, our Maker’s face to see.

When to the kingdom we draw near our loudest praises rise,

We lift our voices loud and clear and raise them to the skies,

We lift our voices loud and clear and raise them to the skies.

© Matthew Drumheller, 2013