An Act of Praise on the Anniversary of September 11

This Act of Praise for congregational worship combines the words of Psalm 46 and Martin Luther's hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" (United Methodist Hymnal, 110) with the words and music of Desmond Tutu and John Bell's "Goodness Is Stronger than Evil" (The Faith We Sing, 2219). Copyrights allow for the reprinting of the Psalm and "A Mighty Fortress" texts, but not "Goodness Is Stronger than Evil," nor is the last covered by any of the commonly used music licenses (CCLI, GIA, LicenSing). To use this resource in worship, it is suggested that the text below be reproduced in the worship bulletin and the people sing "Goodness Is Stronger than Evil" from The Faith We Sing. An alternative would be to have the choir sing the response.

An Act of Praise on the Anniversary of the September 11 Terrorist Attacks

RESPONSE: "Goodness Is Stronger Than Evil," The Faith We Sing, 2219

HYMN: "A Mighty Fortress," United Methodist Hymnal, 110, stanza 1

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper he amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

PSALM 46: 1-3

God is our refuge and strength,
A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
THOUGH THE MOUNTAINS SHAKE IN THE HEART OF THE SEA;
Though its waters roar and foam,
THOUGH THE MOUNTAINS TREMBLE WITH ITS TUMULT.

RESPONSE: "Goodness Is Stronger Than Evil," The Faith We Sing, 2219

HYMN: "A Mighty Fortress," stanza 2

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right man on our side, the man of Gods own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth, his name, from age to age the same,
And he must win the battle.

PSALM 46: 4-7

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
THE MOST HOLY HABITATION OF THE MOST HIGH.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
GOD WILL HELP IT WHEN THE MORNING DAWNS.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice,
the earth melts.
THE LORD OF HOSTS IS WITH US; THE GOD OF JACOB IS OUR REFUGE.

RESPONSE: "Goodness Is Stronger Than Evil," The Faith We Sing, 2219

HYMN: "A Mighty Fortress," stanza 3

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed his truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.

PSALM 46: 8-11

Come, behold the works of the Lord;
SEE WHAT DESOLATIONS HE HAS BROUGHT ON THE EARTH.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
HE BREAKS THE BOW, AND SHATTERS THE SPEAR; HE BURNS
THE SHEILDS WITH FIRE.
Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am
Exalted in the earth.
THE LORD OF HOSTS IS WITH US; THE GOD OF JACOB IS OUR
REFUGE.

RESPONSE: "Goodness Is Stronger Than Evil," The Faith We Sing, 2219

HYMN: "A Mighty Fortress," stanza 4

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth;
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: Gods truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever.

RESPONSE: "Goodness Is Stronger Than Evil," The Faith We Sing, 2219

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The Scripture quotations of Psalm 46 are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright© 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.