Eternal Shepherd, God Most High

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As mentioned, my idea for Hymn of the Day is for saints to use these as not only songs, but prayers and meditations. This hymn in my hymnal is under the category of “for a church seeking a pastor”. Perhaps your church, or a church you know, is looking for a pastor – why don’t you use this text as a prayer for the Lord to provide a shepherd that will glorify His name and care for His sheep?

Eternal Shepherd, God most high,
In mercy hearken as we cry,
And send us, in our time of need,
A pastor wise, Thy flock to lead.

Be his, like Thee, O Jesus meek,
To heal the bruised, to stay the weak,
And, in Thy might made brave and strong,
To war with sin, to right the wrong.

So leading where Thyself hast trod,
So guiding with Thy staff and rod,
May he Thy sheep in safety bring
To those green pastures of the King.

And when at last, O gracious Lord,
Thou shalt bestow his full reward,
Let those whom he hath led aright
Be jewels in his crown of light. Amen.

Take My Life and Let It Be

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Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879) was an unusually gifted and passionate saint. The daughter of a church rector, she was raised in Worcester, England and attended schools in England and Germany. In her love of learning, she grew to become an able scholar, and a talented singer and pianist. She expended the majority of her life’s labours in writing prose and poetry that would be spiritually beneficial to the saints. Havergal suffered poor health and was taken by the Lord at just 42 years of age. But the Lord prospered her ministry. In her own words, the hymn is a “consecration hymn” in which the singer commits all of her possessions and being to the Lord for his purposes. It expresses what each of us ought to feel and long for, even if at times we see so much disparity between the words and our actual state that we have to sing most of it in hope and faith1.

Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose,
Every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

1challies.com/articles/hymn-stories-take-my-life-and-let-it-be/

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Journey’s End

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Written alongside this song is a quite by J.C. Ryle: “no man ever need despair of reaching his journey’s end if he has once committed his soul to Christ’s keeping.” This quote is based on Mark 4:35-41 when travelling with his disciples in a boat, Jesus calms a strong storm, leaving the disciples to exclaim “who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”1.

Come weary traveller fix your hope
Upon your journey’s end,
When unrestrained, his grace will pay
For every labour spent.
Though now you toil soon shall you rest;
Though now you must contend,
You soon shall be forever blessed
Upon your journey’s end

See Christ, his journey’s end in mind,
Ascending Calvary’s hill;
For heaven’s joy endured the cross
And bears your burdens still;
See perfect love and innocence
By all the world condemned;
Yet gladly bore the shame that you
Might reach your journey’s end

Refrain
Praise to the God of grace!
O what a sure and glorious hope!
He all our strength and praise
As we make our journey home

What storms you’ll weather, trials endure,
Lie far beyond your sight;
Yet anxious traveller rest secure:
You’ll soon be home with Christ!
He walks with you through fearful days,
Your sure and faithful friend;
And soon you’ll see his smiling face
Upon your journey’s end

Refrain

Come weary traveller fix your hope
Upon your journey’s end;
When crowds of angels cheer you home,
And God himself descends:
‘My good and faithful servant come
You journeyed long and hard;
Now everlasting joy is yours
My child you’re home at last.’

Refrain

1joyfulnoise.uk/our-music/

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Have Thine Own Way, Lord

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This Christian hymn was born out of the author’s profound trust in her Maker. In 1906 Adelaide A. Pollard was inspired to write the hymn’s lyrics after visiting a prayer ceremony where she heard a woman say “it doesn’t really matter what you do with us, Lord, just have your own way with our lives.” Prior to that, Pollard had a disheartening experience. She had a great wish to pay a missionary visit to Africa. However, she found herself unable to raise the fund needed for the journey. After hearing those encouraging words from that woman, she fell into deep contemplation of the potter’s story found in the book of Jeremiah 18:3. When she went home that evening, she wrote down the words based on what she reflected on was able to complete all the four stanzas. The outcome was the famous hymn “Have Thine Own Way, Lord.1”

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.

1countrythangdaily.com/have-thine-own-way-lord-pollard-potter/

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Marvellous Grace

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The author of this song is Julia Harriet Johnston, who was born in 1849 in Salineville, Ohio. Her father was pastor of the First Presbyterian church. She was one of the most prolific hymn writers of her day. She is reported to have composed nearly five hundred hymns or songs, and she also wrote materials for Sunday school children. The hymns that she wrote include, In the Child Garden; O Changeless Word; Saving Grace; There’s a Picture Bright and Fair, and There’s a Sweet and Blessed Story1.

Marvellous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the Refuge, the Mighty Cross.

Refrain

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a Crimson Tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

Refrain

Marvellous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe;
All who are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

Refrain

1christianmusicandhymns.com/2019/09/marvelous-grace-grace-greater-than-our.html

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There Is Power in the Blood

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The text for the hymn was written and the tune composed both by Lewis Edgar Jones, who was born at Yates City, IL, on Feb. 8, 1865.  Graduating from Moody Bible Institute in the same class with well-known revival evangelist Billy Sunday, Jones became active in YMCA work which he did for the rest of his life, serving first as physical director in the YMCA at Davenport, IA, and then as general secretary in Ft. Worth, TX. The song was produced while Jones was attending a camp meeting at Mountain Lake Park, MD1.

Would you be free from the burden of sin?
There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you o’er evil a victory win?
There’s wonderful power in the blood.

Refrain
There is power, power,
Wonder-working power
In the blood of the Lamb;
There is power, power,
Wonder-working power
In the precious blood of the Lamb.

Would you be free from your passion and pride?
There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Come for a cleansing to Calvary’s tide;
There’s wonderful power in the blood.

Refrain

Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow?
There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Sin stains are lost in its life-giving flow;
There’s wonderful power in the blood.

Refrain

Would you do service for Jesus your King?
There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you live daily His praises to sing?
There’s wonderful power in the blood.

Refrain
There is power, power,
Wonder-working power
In the blood of the Lamb;
There is power, power,
Wonder-working power
In the precious blood of the Lamb.

1hymnstudiesblog.wordpress.com/2013/02/19/there-is-power-in-the-blood/

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Come, Christians, Join To Sing

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Christian Henry Bateman (1813-1899) was ordained into the Church of England after being a Congregational minister. Following his ministry at Richmond Place Congregational Church in Edinburgh, Scotland, and successive Congregational parishes in Hopton, Yorkshire, and Reading, Berkshire, he took Holy Orders in the Anglican Church at age 56 and served as a curate and vicar in several Anglican parishes. Australian hymnologist Wesley Milgate noted that Bateman’s hymn is actually a rewritten version of the hymn “Join Now in Praise, and Sing” by William Edward Hickson (1803-1870)1.

Come, Christians, join to sing
Alleluia! Amen!
Loud praise to Christ our King;
Alleluia! Amen!
Let all, with heart and voice,
Before his throne rejoice;
Praise is his gracious choice:
Alleluia! Amen!

Come, lift your hearts on high,
Alleluia! Amen!
Let praises fill the sky;
Alleluia! Amen!
He is our guide and friend,
To us he’ll condescend;
His love shall never end:
Alleluia! Amen!

Praise yet our Christ again;
Alleluia! Amen!
Life shall not end the strain;
Alleluia! Amen!
On heaven’s blissful shore,
His goodness we’ll adore,
Singing forevermore,
“Alleluia! Amen!”

1umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-come-christians-join-to-sing

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Before the Throne of God Above

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This hymn by Irish native Charitie Lees Smith (1841–1923) was first published in “The Praise of Jesus”, a collection compiled by William Reid of Edinburgh. The text in this edition was in six stanzas of four lines, unattributed, without music, headed “Within the Vail with Jesus.” This hymn was repeated in Smith’s own collection, “Within the Vail and Other Sacred Poems”. In the preface to her collection, she offered this blessing: “may these verses find an echo in other hearts, and be of help, especially in hours of trial, by reminding of a Saviour’s sympathy and a Father’s love. May they help some to take humbly and patiently the chastisement which is sent, not less in tenderness than in wisdom. We are ‘not as yet come to the rest, and the inheritance.’ Thank God, we shall soon enjoy both!”1

Before the Throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea
A great High Priest whose name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there! The risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless Righteousness
The great unchangeable I AM
The King of glory and of grace!
One with Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased with His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ, my Saviour and my God
With Christ, my Saviour and my God.

1hymnologyarchive.com/before-the-throne-of-god-above

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Old 100th

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Old 100th” or “Old Hundredth” (also known as “Old Hundred”) is a hymn tune in long metre, from the second edition of the Genevan Psalter. It is one of the best known melodies in many Christian musical traditions. The tune is usually attributed to the French composer Louis Bourgeois (c. 1510 – c. 1560). Although the tune was first associated with Psalm 134 in the Genevan Psalter, the melody receives its current name from an association with Psalm 100, in a translation by William Kethe entitled “All People that on Earth do Dwell”, who was in exile in Geneva at the time of writing, as the Scottish Reformation was only just beginning. The melody is also sung to various other lyrics, including the Doxology and various German Lutheran chorales1. The version I have included below has an added words to the traditional.

All people that on earth do dwell
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice
Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell
Come ye before Him and rejoice

The Lord, ye know, is God indeed
Without our aid, He did us make
We are His flock, He doth us feed
And for His sheep, He doth us take

Yahweh, into Your courts
We enter with thankful hearts
O faithful God, Your love endures

O enter, then, His gates with praise
Approach with joy His courts unto
Praise laud and bless His name always
For it is seemly so to do

For why the Lord, our God, is good
His mercy is forever sure
His truth, at all times, firmly stood
And shall from age to age endure

Yahweh, into Your courts
We enter with thankful hearts
O faithful God, Your love endures

For why the Lord, our God, is good
His mercy is forever sure
His truth, at all times, firmly stood
And shall from age to age endure

1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_100th

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Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy

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Joseph Hart (1712-1768) was born in London, where he became an independent Calvinist preacher converted by the Moravians. This hymn never made it into any of the collections published by John and Charles Wesley, perhaps because Hart was critical of one of John Wesley’s sermons in a tract he published, “The Unreasonableness of Religion, Being Remarks and Animadversion on the Rev. John Wesley’s Sermon on Romans 8:22”, however it was included in Spence’s Pocket Hymn-Book (1785); Carlton Young notes that Hart’s “hymns ranked with those of Isaac Watts in popularity among independent hymn writers. Later in the 19th century, Ira D. Sankey, the musical partner of evangelist Dwight L. Moody, included this hymn in his famous Gospel Hymns, Nos. 1 to 6 Complete (1894). The anonymous refrain, beginning with “I will arise and go to Jesus,” was found in Southern hymnbooks as early as 1811, and the opening line changed from “poor and wretched” to “poor and needy” by Augustus Toplady1.

Come, you sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, joined with pow’r.

Refrain
I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Saviour,
O there are ten thousand charms.

Come, you thirsty, come, and welcome,
God’s free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.

Refrain

Come, you weary, heavy laden,
Bruised and broken by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all.

Refrain

View Him prostrate in the garden;
On the ground your Maker lies.
On the bloody tree behold Him;
Sinner, will this not suffice?

Refrain

Lo! Th’incarnate God ascended,
Pleads the merit of His blood:
Venture on Him, venture wholly,
Let no other trust intrude.

Refrain

Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.

Refrain

1umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-come-ye-sinners-poor-and-needy

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