Wilt Thou not revive us again: that Thy people may rejoice in Thee?
Psalm 85:6
Words: John A. Dalles, 1992.
Music: St. George’s Windsor George J. Elvey, 1858 (🔊 pdf nwc).
CHANGE YOUR CHURCH, O GOD, TO BE © 1992 John A. Dalles. Used by permission.
Change Your Church, O God, to Be was written in Pittsburgh [Pennsylvania] in 1992, based on the thought from the motto of the Presbyterian Church (USA): The Latin slogan, Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda (The church reformed and always to be reformed).
It was used in a renewal worship service at the Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh… (which I served for a decade as associate pastor) for the first time in 1992.
John Dalles
Change your church, O God to be
More the church you long to see,
More the people you have claimed,
More the children you have named!
Change your Church! Renew us, Lord,
Till we all reflect your Word!
Make of us a shining light
Ever pleasing in your sight!
God, revive us by your love;
Send your Spirit to reprove!
Take away sin’s awful blight,
Help us all to do the right!
Cultivate us, God, so we,
Grafted to your vine, may be,
Thriving best, within your care,
Blossoming, your love to share.
God, review our urgent schemes!
Guide our vision, mold our dreams!
As we, toward your future move,
All our being, God, improve!
May we, by Christ’s love, be warmed!
Bless your church, by faith reformed;
Hastened by your Spirit’s pace:
God renew us by your grace.