May Our Children and Grandchildren

About the Hymn

This text, like Psalm 78 itself, is both simple and profound. As we nurture the next generation, nothing is more important than sharing what we have heard and known: “the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

Those praiseworthy deeds, “tales of grace and tales of glory,” as the hymn puts it, point directly to Christ, the one who has “hands still bearing scars.” Jesus, who “gave all he could give,” is the centerpiece of Scripture and of our faith.

It’s commonly said that we are always just one generation away from losing the promise. We parents, teachers, sponsors, pastors—all Christians—have been called to the beautiful responsibility of sharing the gospel with our children, who will then share it with their children and those yet to be born. This all-important “telling” occurs at home and in church, where Christians gather as a group around Word and Sacrament.

This simple text and rhythmic tune make it suitable not only for the 23^rd Sunday after Pentecost, but also for any worship service where many children are present, such as a Sunday school opening, vacation Bible school closing, or parochial school grandparents’ day.

The hymn should be performed at a lilting♩. = ca. 52.