poetry, prayer, song

i remember a friend reading the lyrics of this song at a home group meeting a while back. how beautiful the words whisper God's faithfulness in the midst of doubt and loneliness. i am endlessly humbled and eternally bound in God's grace.

it's been a long day.

Encompassed with clouds of distress,

And tempted our hope to resign,
I pant for the light of thy face,
That I and my beauty may shine;
Disheartened with waiting so long,
I sink at thy feet with my load,
All plaintive I pour out my song,
And stretch forth my hands unto God.

If sometimes I strive, as I mourn
My hold of thy promise to keep,
The billows more fiercely return,
And plunge me again in the deep:
While harassed and cast from thy sight,
The tempter suggests with a roar,
"The Lord has forsaken thee quite;
Thy God will be gracious no more."

Shine, Lord! and my terror shall cease;
The blood of atonement apply;
And lead me to Jesus for peace,
The rock that is higher than I:
Speak, Saviour, for sweet is thy voice,
Thy presence is fair to behold;
I thirst for thy Spirit with cries
And groanings that cannot be told.

Yet, Lord, if thy love hath designed
No covenant blessing for me,
Ah, tell me, how is it I find
Some sweetness in waiting for thee?
Almighty to rescue thou art;
Thy grace is immortal and free.
Lord, succor and comfort my heart
And make me live holy to thee.

Shine, Lord! and my terror shall cease;
The blood of atonement apply;
And lead me to Jesus for peace,
The rock that is higher than I:
Speak, Saviour, for sweet is thy voice,
Thy presence is fair to behold;
I thirst for thy Spirit with cries
And groanings that cannot be told.

from park slope church: kingsborough hymns vol. I

"take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." matthew 11:30

love and peace