As it turns out, a trip into Lucas Countyan archives shows, I was listening to this Unitarian Universalist hymn on a Sunday morning almost exactly a year ago. This is a more recent virtual version, however, recorded by an ensemble from First Unitarian Church of Baltimore.
It's been an interesting year and we've learned a lot as the months have passed --- about ourselves and about our friends, virtual and otherwise --- since July of 2019.
But the words remain relevant --- an invitation to become the answer to prayers for healing most often addressed to some otherworldly god of the various sects, Christian and otherwise.
The author of the words is a native Iowan, the Rev. Thomas J.S. Mikelson, who served as minister of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City from 1971-1983, then moved to New England. He retired during 2006 as minister of First Parish, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The tune is traditionally Irish and most often referred to as "Slane" when associated with a hymn, most notably "Be Thou My Vision." Here are the Rev. Mr. Mikelson's words:
Wake, now, my senses, and hear the earth call;
Feel the deep power of being in all;
Keep, with the web of creation your vow,
Giving, receiving as love shows us how.
Wake, now my reason, reach out to the new;
Join with each pilgrim who quests for the true;
Honor the beauty and wisdom of time;
Suffer thy limit, and praise the sublime.
Wake, now, compassion, give heed to the cry;
Voices of suffering fill the wide sky;
Take as your neighbor both stranger and friend,
Praying and striving their hardship to end.
Wake, now, my conscience, with justice thy guide
Join with all people whose rights are denied;
Take not for granted a privileged place;
God’s love embraces the whole human race.
Wake, now, my vision of ministry clear;
Brighten my pathway with radiance here;
Mingle my calling with all who will share;
Work toward a planet transformed by our care.
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