eHymns.org

Karl Johann Philipp Spitta

Unknown

Alvin (Bud) Herman Manz in 2002

Alternate Zion's Harp Numbers: 52, 161, 198, 203
Meter: 8.7.8.7.D.

Dearest Saviour, let me ever
In Thy service here abide;
Ne'er would I from Thee be severed,
Walking daily by Thy side.
By Thee is my life inspired,
Thou art strength and light to me,
As a branch that has acquired
From the vine its energy.

Could I elsewhere find such treasure
As Thou, Lord, with me hast shared,
Such rich gifts of grace and pleasure
Thousandfold for me prepared?
Could I find a consolation
Such as Thou, O Lord, dost give,
Who from earth and all the heavens
Might and power dost receive?

Who could find me such a Master?
Who, what Christ hath done, would do,
Saved me from sin and disaster
With His precious blood so true?
Should not I be His true servant
Who His life on Calv'ry gave,
In devotion also fervent,
Faithful unto death and grave?

Yea with Thee, Lord, I'll continue
As in pleasure, so in grief;
And in daily consecration
Unto Thee my life I give.
For Thy summons I am ready,
And Thy final call await;
He can welcome death who daily
All to Thee doth consecrate.

Lord, throughout my pilgrim journey,
Let me find Thee by my side;
And when evening shades are falling
Do Thou still with me abide.
And in holy benediction
Lay on me Thy hand of love,
Saying: Son, thy course is finished;
But through faith thou'lt live above!

Stay Thou near me when the shadows
Of chill death are drawing nigh,
Like the frosty breath of morning
Ere the dawn in rosy sky.
When the darkness falls around me,
Then illuminate my soul;
As a traveler home returning
May I reach my heav'nly goal.