Hymns for Christian Devotion Part 149

Reliance for the Future.

1 Gracious Source of every blessing!

Guard our b.r.e.a.s.t.s from anxious fears; May we still thy love possessing, Sink into the vale of years.

2 All our hopes on thee reclining, Peace companion of our way; May our sun, in smiles declining, Rise in everlasting day.

SOCIAL AND DOMESTIC WORs.h.i.+P.

902. C. M. Ancient Hymns.

The Joy of Social Wors.h.i.+p.

1 How good and pleasant is the sight, How great the bliss they share, When Christ's a.s.sembled flock unite In acts of social prayer!

G.o.d thither, with paternal care, His face benignant bends; And Jesus, by his spirit there, On faithful hearts descends.

2 To such, by hallowed lips expressed, His grace confirms his word, As once Cornelius' house it blest, From holy Peter heard: On prayer and praise, in faith preferred, His heavenly dew is shed; And he to all, who come prepared, Dispenses heavenly bread.

3 To G.o.d, adored in ages past, Enthroned in majesty,-- To G.o.d, whose wors.h.i.+p aye shall last Throughout eternity,-- To thee, Great G.o.d, we bend the knee, And in the Holy Ghost, Through Christ, all glory give to thee, With all thy heavenly host.

903. C. M. Ancient Hymns.

The Joy of Social Devotion.

1 O, it is joy in one to meet Whom one communion blends, Council to hold in converse sweet, And talk as Christian friends.

2 'Tis joy to think the angel train, Who 'mid heaven's temple s.h.i.+ne, To seek our earthly temples deign, And in our anthems join.

3 But chief, 'tis joy to think that He, To whom his church is dear, Delights her gathered flock to see, Her joint devotions hear.

4 Then who would choose to walk abroad, While here such joys are given?

"This is indeed the house of G.o.d, And this the gate of heaven!"

904. 7s. M. Anonymous.

For a Prayer Meeting.

1 Father, hear us when we pray, Look in mercy from above; Turn not, Lord, thy face away, Hear, and grant thy pardoning love.

2 In the name of Christ we come, Asking grace and seeking peace, Raise our hearts to heaven, our home, And from worldly cares release.

3 Pure and holy may we be, Far removed all vain desire; From all hate and envy free, Let our souls to thee aspire.

4 While we love the Saviour's name, And his words with zeal obey, His sweet promise we may claim;-- "He will meet us when we pray."

905. 7s. M. Methodist Coll.

Call to Social Wors.h.i.+p.

1 Let us join, as G.o.d commands, Let us join our hearts and hands, Help to gain our calling's hope; Help to build each other up; Carry on the Christian's strife; Walk in holiness of life; Faithfully our gifts improve For the sake of him we love;--

2 Still forget the things behind; Follow Christ in heart and mind; Toward the mark unwearied press; Seize the crown of righteousness, While we walk with G.o.d in light, G.o.d our hearts will still unite; Dearest fellows.h.i.+p we prove-- Fellows.h.i.+p in Jesus, love.

3 Still, O Lord, our faith increase; Cleanse from all unrighteousness: Thee th' unholy cannot see: Make, O make us meet for thee: Every vile affection kill; Root out every seed of ill; Utterly abolish sin; Write thy law of love within.

906. C. M. Ancient Hymns.

Call to Social Wors.h.i.+p.

1 O, come, and let th' a.s.sembly all To serve our G.o.d unite, And, mindful of the social call, Partake the social rite.

2 In token of the common vow, Be ours, with one consent, The wors.h.i.+p of the lowly brow, And knees devoutly bent!

3 But chief, inflamed with heavenly fire, Devotion's better part, Be ours instinct with one desire, The wors.h.i.+p of the heart!

4 Let each, let all, their prayers above, In one oblation bend, And G.o.d, the G.o.d of peace and love, On all, on each descend!

907. C. M. Methodist Coll.

Call to Wors.h.i.+p.

1 Father, united by thy grace, And each to each endeared With confidence we seek thy face, And know our prayer is heard.