I had the privilege of preaching at Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn, Michigan this morning. I preached on the Gospel lesson, Luke 10:38-42, Jesus in the home of Mary and Martha. For the sermon hymn today we sang, "A Hearing Heart." "A Hearing Heart" was written at the request of the Valparaiso Liturgical Institute for their 2014 conference. I was to write a text based on the Mary/Martha account and Amanda Husberg would compose the tune, which she named HEARING HEART. At the conference we shared text and tune and the hymn was sung at two services of the conference. I think it was a very good pairing.
1.
A hearing heart,
a hearing heart--
this grant, dear Lord, I pray--
that listens to Your Word at dawn,
at noon and end of day,
at noon and end of day.
2.
A hearing heart,
a hearing heart
that welcomes You as guest,
a heart not soured by fret or care
instead by You is blessed,
instead by You is blessed.
3.
A hearing heart,
a hearing heart,
attentive at Your feet,
well-nourished by each living word:
pure milk, like honey sweet,
pure milk, like honey sweet.
4.
A hearing heart,
a hearing heart,
through Word and liturgy,
believes Your cross and empty tomb,
which set the captive free,
which set the captive free.
5.
A hearing heart,
a hearing heart
receives Your gifts divine:
rich blessings promised in Your Word
with water, bread, and wine,
with water, bread, and wine.
6.
A hearing heart,
a hearing heart,
when with Your heart is meshed,
beats strong with mercy, truth, and grace,
enlivened and refreshed,
enlivened and refreshed.
7.
A hearing heart,
a hearing heart--
this grant, dear Lord, I pray!
Bring forth the fruits of faith in me,
in all I do and say,
in all I do and say.
.
