Paul exclaimed, “I want to know Christ…” (Philippians 3:10). On Sunday 10/2/2011 we explored this statement in our Sunday Morning Forum. “How do YOU know Christ? Where have YOU encountered Christ?” were among the questions we asked, sharing our answers around the table.
Once again, music was mentioned, specifically hymns used in worship, as a place of encounter and inspiration and knowledge. Bill shared one of his favorites, which happens to follow our readings from Philippians pretty closely: “Can we by searching find out God or formulate his ways?” which Hymn 476 in the 1982 Episcopal Hymnal.
Here are the lyrics
Can we by searching find out God
or formulate his ways?
Can numbers measure what he is
or words contain his praise?
Although his being is too bright
for human eyes to scan,
his meaning lights our shadowed world
through Christ, the Son of Man.
Our boastfulness is turned to shame,
our profit counts as loss,
when earthly values stand beside
the manger and the cross.
There God breaks in upon our search,
makes birth and death his own;
he speaks to us in human terms
to make his glory known. [1]
Let us hear what the Spirit is saying. Share your favorite hymn of encounter, inspiration, encouragement, or knowledge by leaving a reply and continuing the Sunday conversation here.
____________
[1] Words: Elizabeth Cosnett (b. 1936), alt.
Music: Epworth, melody att. Charles Wesley (1757–1834), alt.; harm. Martin Fallas Shaw (1875–1958), alt.
Hear what the Spirit is saying 
One thought on “Can we by searching find out God or formulate his ways?”