I wish one of my musician friends would write a new arrangement for this hymn. (hint, hint!) I discovered it this week while studying and praying through the discipline of intercession. If I were to sing this in corporate worship, I imagine a certain healing would take place.
In the meantime, I'll hum along on my own with the digitally condensed synthesizer on the hymnal sites. (verse 5 just about wrecks me)
Lord, as to thy dear cross we flee,
and plead to be forgiven,
so let thy life our pattern be,
and form our souls for heaven.
Help us through good report and ill
our daily cross to bear,
like thee to do our Father's will,
our brethren's grief to share.
Let grace our selfishness expel,
our earthliness refine,
and kindness in our being dwell,
as free and true as thine.
If joy shall at thy bidding fly,
and grief's dark day come on,
we in our turn would meekly cry,
Father, thy will be done.
Should friends misjudge, or foes defame,
or brethren faithless prove,
then, like thine own, be all our aim
to conquer them by love.
Kept peaceful in the midst of strife,
forgiving and forgiven,
O may we lead the pilgrim's life
and follow thee to heaven.
Words: John Hampden Gurney, 1838
Music: Windsor, St. Bernard, Westminster New, St. Frances
