When our race is not the fastest

When our race is not the fastest,

Nor in battle are we strong,

When our wisdom no more holds forth

In the face of hate and wrong,

Hold us, God, in true compassion;

Hold our sorrow, hear our grief.

Keep us, even when we struggle

In bewildered disbelief.

When fate shows us hard disfavor

And we flail against the tide,

When disaster pulls us under

And all rescue is denied,

Hold us, God, in true compassion;

Be our shelter in the storm.

Knit our broken souls together

And our flick'ring faith reform.

Though the world despise your wisdom,

Though the world reject your way,

Keep us firm in your sustaining,

Give us words of truth to say.

Hold us, God, in true compassion;

Midst the shouts of hate and fear,

Give us words of quiet wisdom;

With your loving grace draw near.

Text: Charles Spence Freeman, July 2020 (after Ecclesiastes 9:11-18)

Music: Tune PLEADING SAVIOR, Leavitt's Christian Lyre, 1830-31

From a preaching series on Ecclesiastes.