HYMN: Promised Rest Awaits the Weary

Note: This has received an update with an original tune! 

I’m in the midst of a pastoral retreat right now being run by the Doxology organization. The retreat is called “Take Heart! Strength and Confidence for Demanding Days,” and it was organized in conjunction with the LCMS Office of National Mission. With today being the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, the chaplain for this retreat, Pastor Mark Barz, has been focusing during our worship opportunities on the service of angels to God’s people. Between these sermons and the topic of our retreat, I was inspired to write the following text. Credit goes to Pastor Barz, and to Doctor Pastor David Fleming and Doctor Beverly Yahnke of Doxology for their service in general and their presentations during this retreat in particular. 

This is a first draft. Feedback is love.

Promised Rest Awaits the Weary

Inspired by the Doxology Retreat in Wichita, Kansas

September 28-30, 2020

1. Promised rest awaits the weary,

Burdened by the daily test.

“Come to Me, you heavy laden;

I will give you holy rest.”

You who face the battle’s fray

Serving Christ from day to day,

Christ in mercy will befriend you,

Sending angel hosts to tend you.

2. Saints are wearied by their labor

Fighting with the devil’s horde.

You shall savor Bread from heaven 

In the Body of the Lord.

“Come and find your rest in Me

Underneath Elijah’s tree.

Rise to eat! This Bread sustains you

Through the strife that/which harms and drains you.”

3. “I have chosen you, My servant.

I will not cast you away. 

Trust in Me and pray in earnest.

Do not let your fear hold sway.”

Then, beneath the holy cross,

As you bear your shame and loss,

In His arms Christ will enfold you.

By His Blood He will uphold you.

(c) 2020

87 87 77 88

FREU DICH SEHR (LSB 347)

Cross and Comfort; Tentatio; Anfechtung; I Kings 19; Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 11:28