Last week I posted an early draft of a text for the Twenty-Third Sunday After Trinity called Pay Heed, O Earthly Powers. I had some misgivings about the text as it originated; so, as I always do, I posted my text and asked for feedback. I received some, and it helped me tighten things up. I combined verses to double their length and combine their thoughts. In doing so, I determined that I should add a few thoughts, emphasize a few thoughts with some repetition. A friend composed an original tune. What's posted here is the result. I encourage you compare the original text to this one, and then to offer feedback. Feedback is the lifeblood of the writer; feedback is love.
The subject matter of this text is especially appropriate for today, as the United States celebrates Independence Day. I'm sure my friends who are citizens of the British Empire (such as it is) have some thoughts on the matter. *wink*
Pay
Heed, O Earthly Powers
1. Pay heed, O
earthly powers!
You citizens,
give ear!
The King of
kings has spoken;
The Lord of
hosts is here.
Though citizens
of heaven,
As pilgrims
here you roam.
Serve God and
serve the nation
Until He calls
you home.
2. Give all you
owe to Caesar.
All honor he is
due,
For all who
wield the scepter
Are God’s good
gift to you.
Obey the
godless ruler
As you would
Christ the King.
Your service
brings true glory
To Him whom
angels sing.
3. Yet when,
with tyrant fury,
The chief
demands you sin,
You must obey
your Savior,
Though torment
may begin.
Pray God for
righteous princes
Who seek the
good of all,
Who serve
without corruption,
Repenting when
they fall.
4. And render
to your Father
What you in
faith receive:
The
righteousness of Jesus
By which God’s
children live.
Sing praise to
Christ, you people:
To Christ whom
you revere.
Repent before
your Savior
And kneel in
holy fear.
5. Until that
Day of glory
When Christ
returns to reign,
Give honor to
the nation;
Subdue your own
disdain.
Pay heed, O
earthly powers!
You citizens,
give ear!
The King of
kings has spoken;
The Lord of
hosts is here.
© 2019 Alan
Kornacki, Jr.
76 76D (search that meter in the hymnal or…)
Tune (pictured below): PAY
HEED (ALT.)
Occasion:
Trinity 23; The Nation
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