Ready for church this 3rd Sunday in Lent (Oculi): Our eyes are always on the Lord + even as we are tempted to look back (1.Kings 19,1-8; Eph.5,1-9 and Luke 9,57-62) or elsewhere. We know: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Lk.9,62).
So, we sing the old confirmation standard:
1 Jesus, lead Thou on till our rest is won; And although the way be cheerless,we will follow calm and fearless. Guide us by Thy hand to our fatherland.
2 If the way be drear, if the foe be near, Let not faithless fears o’ertake us; Let not faith and hope forsake us; For through many a woe to our home we go.
3 When we seek relief from a long-felt grief, When temptations come alluring, Make us patient and enduring. Show us that bright shore where we weep no more.
4 Jesus, lead Thou on till our rest is won. Heav’nly leader, still direct us, Still support, console, protect us, Till we safely stand in our fatherland.
Nikolaus Graf von Zinzendorf (1700-1760)