How urgent is the summons
addressed to us by name:
your holy call is life and death,
an all-embracing claim;
and yet our hearts are tepid:
how slowly we obey
the voice which bids us take the cross
and follow day by day.

2. From you and from each other
our flaws we try to hide:
release us from this tyranny
of self-deceiving pride.
How seldom are we willing
to stand for what is right:
renew our vision, purge our fears
and nerve us for the fight!

3. Forgive the small ambitions
which often tie us down,
enticing us to idolise
achievement or renown;
seduced by creature-comforts,
allured by worldly gain,
we need your word to turn our thoughts
to treasures which remain.

4. From activism spare us-
how much we try to do!
We struggle to retain control
instead of trusting you.
Lord, pardon our reliance
on energy and skill;
may we be found with servant hearts,
content to do your will.

Scriptures: Psalms 40:8, Romans 12:3, Genesis 3:7-8, Jeremiah 23:24, Colossians 3:2, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23, Isaiah 43:1, Jeremiah 17:9, Mark 10:42-44, Matthew 10:38, Luke 10:38-42, Luke 8:14, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, 1 Samuel 3:10, 2 Timothy 4:10, Hebrews 11:24-26, Deuteronomy 30:19-20, Exodus 3:4, Exodus 35:30, Psalms 139:7, Matthew 19:16-30, Matthew 20:25-27, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30, John 7:45-52, John 19:38-39, Philippians 2:5-7, Titus 2:12, Hebrews 10:7, Revelation 3:16

856. How urgent is the summons