Love Divine, All Love Excelling
Backgrounder: Charles Wesley
(1707-1788) was a prolific
hymn writer of the 18th century.
Most of his writings were done
while riding on horseback
to his evangelical meetings.
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
was first published in a collection
of hymns for those that Seek
Redemption in the Blood of Christ
The opening line was a play on
John Dryden’s poem “Fairest Isle,
All Isles Excelling” The hymn
is written around a progression
of thoughts: prayer for the
Holy Spirit, praying for the return
of our Lord and prayer for the
finalization of his new creation.
Lord, we will purpose to live
life with an eternal perspective:
For our citizenship is in heaven,
from which we’re eagerly waiting
for Lord Jesus Christ to return as
our Saviour. He will take our weak
mortal bodies and change them
into glorious bodies like his own,
using the same power with which
he will bring everything under
his control Phil 3:20-21).
Lord, You created us so that
we’ll have relationship, walking
with You; and You have also put
eternity in their hearts (Ecc 3:11).
Help us to Pay careful attention
how we walk, not as unwise
people but as wise-making the
most of the time (Eph 5:15-16).
For You delay the end of the
world so that more people will
come to repentance & be saved.
Help us live with an eternal
perspective, focusing on things
that will last. Help us be diligent
in our spiritual walk and maintain
intense love for each other.
Help us to walk this life with
wisdom, have right priorities and
be free from earthly distractions.
Help us to live out Christ-centred
so that we can be salt of the
earth and light of the world.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Love divine, all love excelling,
Joy of heaven to earth come down
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling;
All Thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation;
Enter every trembling heart.
Breathe O breathe Thy loving spirit
Into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit;
Let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
End of faith, as its beginning,
Set our hearts at liberty.
Come, Almighty to deliver,
Let us all Thy life receive;
Suddenly return and never,
Nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray & praise Thee without ceasing
Glory in Thy perfect love.
Backgrounder: Charles Wesley
(1707-1788) was a prolific
hymn writer of the 18th century.
Most of his writings were done
while riding on horseback
to his evangelical meetings.
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
was first published in a collection
of hymns for those that Seek
Redemption in the Blood of Christ
The opening line was a play on
John Dryden’s poem “Fairest Isle,
All Isles Excelling” The hymn
is written around a progression
of thoughts: prayer for the
Holy Spirit, praying for the return
of our Lord and prayer for the
finalization of his new creation.
Lord, we will purpose to live
life with an eternal perspective:
For our citizenship is in heaven,
from which we’re eagerly waiting
for Lord Jesus Christ to return as
our Saviour. He will take our weak
mortal bodies and change them
into glorious bodies like his own,
using the same power with which
he will bring everything under
his control Phil 3:20-21).
Lord, You created us so that
we’ll have relationship, walking
with You; and You have also put
eternity in their hearts (Ecc 3:11).
Help us to Pay careful attention
how we walk, not as unwise
people but as wise-making the
most of the time (Eph 5:15-16).
For You delay the end of the
world so that more people will
come to repentance & be saved.
Help us live with an eternal
perspective, focusing on things
that will last. Help us be diligent
in our spiritual walk and maintain
intense love for each other.
Help us to walk this life with
wisdom, have right priorities and
be free from earthly distractions.
Help us to live out Christ-centred
so that we can be salt of the
earth and light of the world.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Love divine, all love excelling,
Joy of heaven to earth come down
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling;
All Thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love Thou art;
Visit us with Thy salvation;
Enter every trembling heart.
Breathe O breathe Thy loving spirit
Into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit;
Let us find that second rest.
Take away our bent to sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
End of faith, as its beginning,
Set our hearts at liberty.
Come, Almighty to deliver,
Let us all Thy life receive;
Suddenly return and never,
Nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray & praise Thee without ceasing
Glory in Thy perfect love.