Hearing the invitation to “sing a new song,” I’ve written one. These lyrics go with the tune for “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” To God be all glory, honor, and praise!

In Christ Jesus God befriends us, comes to meet us in our need;
by his wounded flesh Christ heals us, from the powers sets us free.
With a shepherd’s eyes he finds us; in his arms we are embraced.
Through his teaching we learn wisdom, at the cross we meet God’s grace.

God brings help for those who struggle, and relief from poverty
when we act with love toward strangers, risk ourselves to set them free;
lay the walls of hate to rubble till the cries of war are ceased;
when the rich in generous measure share with those who have the least.

Creeds cannot dispel the hunger that brings children to their knees,
nor can weekly rites of worship ease the pain of dread disease.
Only love, made real in service, reaches others in their need;
Holy Spirit, move our faith from holy words to holy deeds.

All my neighbors, near and distant, must enjoy God’s friendship too.
They are waiting to be welcomed to the feast where life’s made new.
Let us join our hands together, raise our voices, shout our prayers;
live the life that Christ commands us till there’s justice everywhere.