A Prayer for Synod 2025:
Guiding Hearts, Rooted Deep
Dear Lord above, as Synod meets today,
At Redeemer's halls, we humbly pray
In Ancaster's peace,
where minds now gather in,
Guide every delegate, from grace within
We think of roots, in lands across the foam,
Our Dutch heritage, a spiritual home
From Reformation fires,
a truth held ever dear,
Calvin's bold doctrines,
dispelling doubt & fear
To New Amsterdam,
a journey then began,
On Manhattan's shores,
God's faithful plan
Then westward moving,
to Michigan's embrace,
In Holland & Grand Rapids,
finding sacred space
By Lake Michigan's vast & calming shore,
Your church took root,
& yearned for more
We recall the split,
from RCA's old fold,
For principles of faith,
a story to be told
A yearning for strict doctrine,
unwavering & clear,
A different stance on revivals,
banishing all fear
From open communion,
some felt a sacred call,
To separate themselves,
standing firm for all
& now we see,
Your Spirit's mighty hand,
The CRC has blossomed,
across this favored land
No longer solely white,
nor Dutch alone in grace,
But diverse peoples,
every creed & every race
From Bellflower, CA,
to Pella's Iowa fields,
& Lynden, WA,
the gospel's harvest yields
In Hamilton, Ontario,
& across the USA,
Your global kingdom shines,
each & every day
We lift Your schools,
where truth & wisdom grow,
Calvin, Trinity, Dordt,
& Central College,
we know
Foundations strong,
where learning lights the way,
Guiding young minds,
to serve You every day
We ponder TULIP's truths,
a doctrine deep & sound,
Total depravity,
where grace is truly found
Unconditional election,
Your sovereign choice above,
Limited atonement, an everlasting love
Irresistible grace,
Your Spirit drawing near,
Perseverance of saints,
banishing all fear
So grant the delegates wisdom, Lord,
in all they shall decide,
That Your good will, not theirs,
will be their guide
Protect their hearts from strife,
their minds from prideful sway,
& lead them onward,
in Your righteous way
For the Church's future,
a beacon shining bright,
May every choice reflect:
Your holy light
This humble prayer we offer,
with hearts sincere & true
In the name of Jesus,
we give our praise to You:
Father, Son, & Holy Spirit
