203. THOU HAST WORDS OF LIFE
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Author: Karl Philipp Spitta (1801-1859)
Composer: William James Kirkpatrick, 1882 (1838-1921)
Author: Karl Philipp Spitta (1801-1859)
Composer: William James Kirkpatrick, 1882 (1838-1921)
1. Oh, how joyful is the hour
When we, Lord, draw nigh to Thee,
And the words of life and power
From Thy holy lips receive.
May we not in vain assemble
‘Round Thy word, O Lord, today;
Into our hearts meek and humble
Write the Word of Life, we pray!
2. At Thy feet, O Lord, we linger;
Speak to us in accents clear!
Let us hear Thy word so tender
Eagerly with godly fear.
Teach us follow Thy example;
Teach us to devote our time;
This so short a time, though ample
For eternity sublime.
3. Teach us to escape destruction
Through the power of Thy grace,
All offense, with Thy instruction
To forsake and to efface.
And according to Thy pleasure
Think and speak, endure and choose,
Striving onward toward that treasure,
As we have no time to lose.
4. Open, Lord, our understanding,
As to Thy disciples there.
May our hearts be e’er demanding
Wisdom’s light with Thee to share.
Heav’nly Light that oft has banished
Many dark and dreary spots;
Light, O Lord, in us replenish;
In Thy light we stumble not.
5. And Love’s holy fire, we pray Thee,
Pour into each spotless heart,
That in joy or in affliction
Ne’er from Thee we may depart.
May we never feel encumbered
With the cross that we must bear,
Gladly leave in self-denial
What Thy kingdom cannot share.
6. Let Thy word bring light and gladness,
Strength and power to our heart;
May it be the living motive
Causing each to do his part.
Help to store in careful keeping
What this day we may receive;
Manifest Thy healing power
In all who Thy word believe.
When we, Lord, draw nigh to Thee,
And the words of life and power
From Thy holy lips receive.
May we not in vain assemble
‘Round Thy word, O Lord, today;
Into our hearts meek and humble
Write the Word of Life, we pray!
2. At Thy feet, O Lord, we linger;
Speak to us in accents clear!
Let us hear Thy word so tender
Eagerly with godly fear.
Teach us follow Thy example;
Teach us to devote our time;
This so short a time, though ample
For eternity sublime.
3. Teach us to escape destruction
Through the power of Thy grace,
All offense, with Thy instruction
To forsake and to efface.
And according to Thy pleasure
Think and speak, endure and choose,
Striving onward toward that treasure,
As we have no time to lose.
4. Open, Lord, our understanding,
As to Thy disciples there.
May our hearts be e’er demanding
Wisdom’s light with Thee to share.
Heav’nly Light that oft has banished
Many dark and dreary spots;
Light, O Lord, in us replenish;
In Thy light we stumble not.
5. And Love’s holy fire, we pray Thee,
Pour into each spotless heart,
That in joy or in affliction
Ne’er from Thee we may depart.
May we never feel encumbered
With the cross that we must bear,
Gladly leave in self-denial
What Thy kingdom cannot share.
6. Let Thy word bring light and gladness,
Strength and power to our heart;
May it be the living motive
Causing each to do his part.
Help to store in careful keeping
What this day we may receive;
Manifest Thy healing power
In all who Thy word believe.
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