Written by: Karla Williams (2018)
He was the only survivor of five siblings. Afflicted with ill-health, he needed to change careers twice. He survived war and was almost killed three times. And yet, poet laureate Johann Heerman is considered by some to be the most important chorale text writer between Martin Luther and Paul Gerhardt. Among his 14 chorale texts is “O God, my faithful God” which is based, in part, on James 1:17 (NRS): “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
With the many blessings that God bestows, we have a clear responsibility to use those blessings in service to others. Despite everything in his life, Johann lived these words and is still a blessing to us today. Amidst the many ministries and stewardship opportunities at SOTV, how are we living into this call and being a blessing to others?
O Lord, help us remember that you and you alone give amazing gifts. We praise you because when you give gifts, they are never for us to hold on to selfishly, but rather to share with the world while blessing others in the act of giving. Help us to share your light, to share our gifts, and in the process to be a blessing to others.
O God, my faithful God:
O God, my faithful God,
true fountain ever flowing,
without whom nothing is,
all perfect gifts bestowing:
give me a healthy frame,
and may I have within
a conscience free from blame,
a soul unstained by sin.
Give me the strength to do
With ready heart and willing
Whatever you command,
My calling here fulfilling—
To do it when I ought,
With all my might—and bless
Whatever I have wrought,
For you must give success.