Perspectives - An online publication of the OGA

An online publication of the Office of the General Assembly

Features:
September 2006

Founding Members of the First Presbytery
by Presbyterian Historical Society

We Look to You, O Jesus
by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette

The Significance of the Reformation in Our World Today

by Lukas Vischer

Prayer for Peace
by World Council of Churches

The Hunger Channel
by Gradye Parsons

What I Did On My Summer Vacation
by Laura Atkinson

Past Issues

OGA Main Page

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We Look to You, O Jesus

A hymn for the 300th Anniversary Celebration of
American Presbyterians on October 1, 2006, in Philadelphia

Tune: Lancashire (“The Day of Resurrection”)

We look to you, O Jesus—in faith, our Pioneer—
For you have gone before us and brought your people here.
You showed us all God’s kingdom, you gave us work to do;
In death you went before us; for life, we turn to you.

We looked to you to guide us three hundred years ago;
How different was the land then, from this land that we know.
With towns and country growing, your people heard your call,
And so they built new churches, proclaiming you to all.

Through times of strife and anguish, through times of joy and grace,
Through conflicts with our culture, you’ve brought us to this place;
And still your world is changing, and still we seek to be
A church reformed, reforming in faithful ministry.

Perfecter of the faith, Lord, we look to you each day;
We work for peace and justice, we worship, learn and pray—
And witnesses surround us, a host of saints above,
As we continue sharing the joy of your great love.

Tune: Henry Thomas Smart, 1835
Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, 2006