Jenni and I attended my academic awards ceremony today for Trinity College at Wills Hall, Bristol University. I was honored to receive my PhD degree in an unforgettable ceremony. Among about one hundred graduates in certificate, bachelor, and master level programs, there were only five PhD’s awarded this year, and I was among the three privileged to attend.
Since no video or photography was allowed during the service, it is impossible for us to describe the awesome sound of the organ in the Great Hall or the inspirational message delivered by the Reverend Prebendary Nick Mercer from St. Paul’s Cathedral. What we can share are the lyrics to the closing hymn that commissioned the graduates for service for God’s glory.
“Lord for the Years” by Timothy Dudley-Smith
Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,
urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way,
sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided,
Lord for the years, we bring our thanks today.
Lord, for that Word, the Word of life which fires us,
speaks to our hearts and sets our souls ablaze,
teaches and trains, rebukes us and inspires us,
Lord of the Word, receive your people’s praise.
Lord, for our land in this our generation,
spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care:
for young and old, for commonwealth and nation,
Lord of our land, be pleased to hear our prayer.
Lord, for our world where men disown and doubt you,
loveless in strength, and comfortless in pain,
hungry and helpless, lost indeed without you,
Lord of the world, we pray that Christ may reign.
Lord for ourselves; in living power remake us,
self on the cross, and Christ upon the throne,
past put behind us, for the future take us,
Lord of our lives, to live for Christ alone.