618. Facing a task unfinished

Author: Frank Houghton 1894-1972

Facing a task unfinished,
that drives us to our knees,
a need that, undiminished,
rebukes our slothful ease,
we, who rejoice to know you,
renew before your throne
the solemn pledge we owe you
to go and make you known.

2. Where other lords beside you
hold their unhindered sway,
where forces that defied you
defy you still today,
with none to heed their crying
for life, and love, and light,
unnumbered souls are dying,
and pass into the night.

3. We bear the torch that flaming
fell from the hands of those
who gave their lives proclaiming
that Jesus died and rose.
Ours is the same commission,
the same glad message ours,
fired by the same ambition,
to you we yield our powers.

4. O Father who sustained them,
O Spirit who inspired,
Saviour, whose love constrained them
to toil with zeal untired,
from cowardice defend us,
from lethargy awake!
Forth on your mission send us
to labour for your sake.