Month: April 2020

Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee

Henry Van Dyke wrote this poem
in 1907 while staying with Williams
College president Harry Garfield.
He was serving as a guest preacher
at Williams in Berkshire Mountains
of Massachusetts at that time.
He was so moved by the beauty
of God’s creation that he wrote
this hymn of joy. The next morning
he handed the poem to the college
president. Here is hymn for you;
Your mountains were my inspiration,
he said. It must be sung to the
music of Beethoven’s Hymn to Joy.
And so it has been ever since.

Lord, we will Rejoice & Adore You:
Always be full of joy in the Lord.
I say it again – rejoice …
Don’t worry about anything;
Instead pray about everything.
Tell God what you need, and
thank him for all he has done.
Then you will experience God’s
peace, which exceeds anything
we can understand. His peace
will guard your hearts & minds as
u live in Christ Jesus (Phil 4:4-7).

Father, we have a tendency to be
anxious, especially currently when
we hear so much Coronavirus news.
But we purpose to be thankful,
to rejoice in You and to adore You.
Lord, give to us & to all Your people,
in times of anxiety, serenity;
in times of hardship, courage;
in times of uncertainty, patience;
and at all times Joy and a quiet
trust in Your wisdom and love,
thro Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Lord, enable me to lift up praise to
U in the face of whatever facing me.
Help me not to be anxious or worry
anything & please drive doubt away.
Help me to bring every concern
before You & leave it at Your feet.
Fill me Lord with Your peace so that
my heart and mind will be guarded.
Fill me with joy so that I can truly sing
Joyful Joyful we adore Thee. Amen.

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs b4 Thee,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin & sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!!!
Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Wellspring of the joy of living,
Ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine. Amen.

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Charles Wesley (1707-1788) was a
prolific hymn writer of 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 was
written around a progression of
thoughts: prayer for the Holy Spirit,
praying for the return of our Lord and
prayer for finalization of new creation.

Lord, we’ll hold 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). Amen.

Lord, what relief and joy to know
that we are listed among residents
in heaven. We praise and thank
You God for giving us eternal life.
Although this life is filled with
trouble as it is now under Corona-
virus global pandemic, we know
that we are only passing through &
that You are merciful and in control.
Grant us to have an eternal mindset
so that we can endure the temporal
difficulties that come our way and
be light of the world for Your glory.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord, You created us so that we’ll
have relationship, walking with You.
Help us pay careful attention how
we walk,not as unwise people but as
wise, making the most of the time.
Help us live with eternal perspective,
focusing on things that will last.
Help us be diligent in our spiritual
walk & maintain 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
life so that we can be salt of the
earth and light of the world. 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…
Thee we would be always blessing
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray & praise Thee without ceasing
Glory in Thy perfect love. Amen.