[adapted from earlier post, preparing for a series of posts on the word in the church]
Jesus, with Thy Church abide
If the church is body of Christ, we cannot have Christ without the Church. This moving hymn by Thomas Pollock (pictured right) is a prayer for the Church, to bring others into her for their salvation. Pollock ministered to the poor of London as a minister in the Church of England. Here are the better verses:
Jesus, with Thy Church abide,
Be her Savior, Lord, and Guide,
While on earth her faith is tried:
We beseech Thee, hear us.
Keep her life and doctrine pure,
Help her, patient, to endure,
Trusting in Thy promise sure:
We beseech Thee, hear us.
All her fettered powers release
Bid our strife and envy cease,
Grant the heav'nly gift of peace:
We beseech Thee, hear us.
May she guide the poor and blind,
Seek the lost until she find,
And the broken hearted bind:
We beseech Thee, hear us.
All that she has lost, restore,
May her strength and zeal be more
Than in brightest days of yore:
We beseech Thee, hear us.
May she holy triumphs win,
Overthrow the hosts of sin,
Gather all the nations in,
We beseech Thee, hear us.
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