“Come Now, O Wisdom”

Last updated on: May 8, 2013 at 8:30 am by Caryn Riswold

“Come Now, O Wisdom” 2013-05-06T14:15:52-06:00 Caryn Riswold

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Rev. Jann Aldredge-Clanton has shared a new resource for those interested in more inclusive and justice oriented sacred music, this one with new words set to another familiar Christian hymn (“Lord of all hopefulness / Lord of all joy”) written by a woman, Jan Struther, who incidentally is most well-known for creating the character Mrs. Miniver.

About her new lyrics, Aldredge-Clanton writes:

Many years ago I preached a sermon with this introduction: “What ever happened to Wisdom? In all my years growing up in Sunday school and church I never heard of God as Wisdom. I never heard God referred to as ‘She,’ even though the Bible uses Wisdom as a feminine personification of God. In much of human history Wisdom has been sadly missing. Instead of Wisdom, we have had injustice. Instead of Wisdom, we have had wars. Instead of Wisdom, we have had hierarchy and greed. Instead of inclusive images of Deity that affirm all human beings as created in the divine image, we have had exclusive images that devalue half of humanity—females. We need a faith that includes worship of feminine Wisdom so that there will be justice for females and for all human beings. Without Wisdom we all suffer. Wisdom brings power for change. She leads us on paths of peace. She is better than gold or any wealth or approval. In a world of divisions and brokenness, wars and violence, Wisdom can bring peace and wholeness.”

In the years since I preached this sermon, much of my ministry and writing have been focused on seeking Wisdom. In our world today with increasing violence against women and others considered “less than,” increasing violence of all kinds, and increasing injustices, I am more convinced than ever that we are in deep need of Her peace and healing.

Here is the Pullen Memorial Baptist Church Chancel Choir, orchestra, and congregation singing “Come Now O Wisdom” with a lovely set of images to accompany the music:

And, here are some of the lyrics:

Come now, O Wisdom, we need your clear voice;

speak and awaken our hearts to rejoice.

Gracious Creator of more than we know,

in your own image may we ever grow.

Come now, O Wisdom, abide in our souls;

stir in us visions of life free and whole.

Wisdom, our pathway to justice and peace,

with you our dreams find their fullest release.

For more resources for inclusive worship, head over to Jann’s blog.

Christianity

Feminism

inclusive hymns

jann aldredge-clanton

theology

wisdom

Previous Post

May 6, 2013

Honorable Mention: “I’m A Mormon Feminist”

Next Post

May 10, 2013 Mama’s Day & "The Balance of Justice"

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Abortion At the Intersections Atheism Christianity Contraception Education Feminism Gender Getting Theological Honorable Mention Islam LGBT News Our Voices Race Uncategorized

Select a Month July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What is written on Jesus’ robe in Revelation 19:16?

Select your answer to see how you score.

The Alpha and Omega King of Kings and Lord of Lords The Lamb of God The Lion of Judah