Before the world's foundation, before the stars and sun, to summon all creation God spoke and it was done; the life of earth and oceans to breath and being stirred, the planets in their motions were ordered at his word. His Name we come declaring who reigns enthroned above, the Word incarnate, sharing God's inmost life of love. To us for our discerning the ways of God are shown where, written for our learning, his word is read and known. Baptize, O Lord, and christen their culture and their creed who speak where many listen, who write what many read; till by the Spirit's striving the heart and conscience find a word of truth, deriving from God's eternal mind. Affirm again the glory of this, your church's call, to tell the Saviour's story and publish him to all; his word of grace and healing that speaks of sins forgiven, his word of promise, sealing our longed-for hope of heaven. May all our faithful teaching exalt, O Lord, your Name; our foolishness of preaching the cross of Christ proclaim. In words of wisdom's lending inspire the songs we raise, who look for life unending where all our words are praise.