Hymns by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette

Whatever You Do
ST. DENIO 11.11.11.11 (Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise)

"Whatever you do to the least ones of these,
I tell you in truth that you do unto me!"
Lord Jesus, you taught us! May we learn anew
That when we serve others, we also serve you.

When poor, waiting children pray hunger will end,
When those long-forgotten cry out for a friend,
When thirsty ones whisper, "O Lord, where are you?" —
We hear, in their longing, that you're calling, too.

In prisons and jails, Lord, we find a surprise;
We see you in people whom others despise.
At hospital bedsides we offer a prayer
And find, when we visit the sick, you are there.

When we reach to others in flood-stricken lands
And offer our hearts there, and offer our hands —
We notice, Lord Jesus, the gift of your grace:
We see, in the crowds of the suffering, your face.

"Lord, when did we see you?" Your teaching is clear
That when we serve others, we're serving you here.
And when your church heeds you and helps those in pain,
Then out of the chaos, hope rises again.

Biblical References: Matthew 25:31-46
Music: Welsh Folk Hymn, Adapted in Caniadau y Cyssegr, 1839.
Text: Copyright © 2008 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
Email: bcgillette@comcast.net

Carolyn Winfrey Gillette is the author of Songs of Grace: New Hymns for God and Neighbor (Discipleship Resources/Upper Room Books, 2009) and Gifts of Love: New Hymns for Today's Worship (Geneva Press, 2000) and the co-pastor of Limestone Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware. A complete list of her 160+ hymns can be found at www.carolynshymns.com.


Hymn Note for "Whatever You Do"

This hymn was inspired by Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus' teaching that has been given a variety of titles: "The Judgment of the Nations" (NRSV heading), "Sheep and Goats" (NIV and The Message) and "The Final Judgment" (CEV). The hymn is the lectionary's gospel reading for New Year (ABC) and Christ the King — Reign of Christ Sunday (Year A).

Susan Sanders, One Great Hour of Sharing Administrator, asked for this hymn to be written in honor of Susan Ryan's service. Susan Ryan served as the coordinator of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and also offered leadership in ecumenical work for disaster victims and the poor.

Hymn Use Permission: This hymn is copyrighted and is not covered by any organization (such as CCLI or OneLicense) that gives churches permission to use church music. If you would like to use this hymn, please contact Carolyn and Bruce Gillette (bcgillette@comcast.net) for permission and to get a copy of the hymn in MS Word format for bulletin use. See also A Dozen Ways to Support Carolyn's Hymn-writing (including hymn use permission).

This hymn is also included in Worship and Song (Abingdon Press, 2011).

Another helpful hymn to support disaster relief efforts is God, We've Known Such Grief and Anger.


Other Hymns for Matthew 25:31-45

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