PRAISE TIME
Volume 2
Words of Love and Praise to Jesus
DFO
Privately published and circulated without cost to members only.
Preface
"Praise Time! Volume 2" is a collection of songs and poems from a broad spectrum of sources: some from dedicated Christians of the past and present, and some from our own Family. The chords to the songs have not been included because, unlike Volume 1, probably very few of you know the melodies to these less familiar songs. Instead, we hope that you will enjoy reading these songs as poems, or even making up your own tunes, to some of them. On that point, Mama commented: "We may end up with all our Homes having a different tune to a song, we might have 300 different melodies to one set of words. But praise God, if they change Homes they can just learn a new melody to the same words. They'll already know the words. We're not above changing, and our people are new bottles, so I guess that's maybe what they'll have to do. It'll give them some variety, make things more exciting."
The stars (**) next to the titles of some selections indicate those with more well-known melodies. Because we may record some of these for the Family in the future, and in order to stay in sync with the many Christians who still sing some of these songs, we request that you not circulate new melodies to these songs. (You may, however, choose to make up tunes to these in your private devotional times, when you're just singing privately to the Lord.)
We love you and pray this booklet will be a blessing in your praise times!
CONTENTS
LOVE
2
All in All to Me
2
Come Be My Bride
8
Come, Savior, Jesus
7
Every Part
8
Gifts of Love
8
I Keep Falling in Love
3
I Long to Worship Thee
2
I've Found a Friend
7
In Your Loving Embrace
2
It Was All Your Love
5
Jesus, I Am Resting
6
Jesus, My Dear Husband
4
Jesus, You're My Loving Savior
3
My Jesus
7
My Jesus, I Love Thee
3
My Joy of Living
4
My Savior so Precious
7
O Wondrous Love
2
Precious Moments
4
Still Sweeter Every Day
6
Sweeter as the Days Go By
6
The Fairest of Thousands
2
The Lovely Theme of My Song
4
The Very Thought of Thee
5
Thee Will I Love
2
Within Your Love
8
You Are My Love so Precious
4
You're All the World to Me
5
You're My Sunshine
3
You're the One I Love
2
Your Love Keeps Me Singing
6
PRAISE
9
A Song of Grateful Praise
9
All God's People Everywhere
12
All Hail the Power
11
Crown Him
12
Fairest Lord Jesus
16
For All that You Have Done
13
For the Beauty of the Earth
10
Glory Be to Him
14
I Joyfully Worship Your Name
9
I Know a Name
13
I Sing the Mighty Power
13
I Will Offer You Praise
9
Joyful, Joyful
10
Living for You
14
My Heart Sings
14
My Singing Is a Prayer
14
My Song Shall Be of You
14
No Name so Sweet
10
Now Thank We All Our God
15
Praise Him! Praise Him!
12
Rose of Sharon
10
Sing with a Tuneful Spirit
15
Singing for Jesus
13
Sinking Sand
9
The Birds upon the Tree Tops
9
The Dancing Heart
11
The Love of God
16
Wonderful Grace of Jesus
15
Wonderful How You Treat Me
16
You Are My Reason for Living
9
MORE POEMS OF LOVE AND PRAISE
16
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Section: Love
O WONDROUS LOVE
O wondrous Love! What joy is mine,
To feel that I am truly Thine.
I bow adoring at Thy feet,
And hold with Thee communion sweet.
THEE WILL I LOVE **
Thee will I love, my strength, my tower,
Thee will I love, my joy, my crown,
Thee will I love with all my power,
Thee will I love, and Thee alone.
Thee will I love, till Thy pure fire
Fills my whole soul with rapt desire.
--Charles Wesley; adapted
THE FAIREST OF THOUSANDS
You are the fairest of thousands to me,
Your Love is sweet and true.
Wonderful beauty in You I now see,
More than I ever knew.
IN YOUR LOVING EMBRACE
O, the rapturous heights of Your Love,
The measureless depths of Your grace!
My soul in Your fulness would prove,
And live in Your loving embrace.
YOU'RE THE ONE I LOVE **
You're the One I love in the morning,
You're the One I love at noon,
You're the One at evening twilight,
You're the One at midnight gloom.
You're the Oak, and I'm the ivy,
You're the Potter, I'm the clay.
There will never be 'twixt You and me
A parting day.
--adapted
I LONG TO WORSHIP THEE
As the deer panteth after the water,
So my soul longeth for Thee,
Thou alone art my heart's desire,
And I long to worship Thee!
ALL IN ALL TO ME
All in all to me, dear Jesus!
Every need Your grace supplies;
Day by day You guide and keep me,
No good thing to me deny.
Chorus
In Your Love I am abiding,
Everything to You confiding.
'Neath Your wing my soul is hiding;
You are all in all to me.
All in all to me, dear Jesus,
Lord, Redeemer, Husband, Friend,
Tender Shepherd, You will guard me,
And from every foe defend.
All in all to me, dear Jesus!
Blessed One of Calvary,
I will never cease to love You,
You have done so much for me.
All in all to me, dear Jesus,
I am Yours and You are mine.
In Your Love, and in Your service,
Every joy in You I find.
--C.H. Gabriel; adapted
YOU'RE MY SUNSHINE
I cannot hope that every day,
Shall send a favoring breeze,
The skies will often clouded be,
And turbulent the seas;
But Jesus, You're my sunshine,
Be skies of gray or blue,
I have the promise of Your care,
My pilgrim journey through,
Your Love can never fail me here,
Whatever winds may blow.
Oh Jesus, You're my sunshine,
The dearest Love I know!
The time may come when I shall lie,
Upon a bed of pain,
When skies with clouds are overcast,
And bitter is the rain,
But Jesus, You're my sunshine,
Be skies of gray or blue,
I have the promise of Your care,
My pilgrim journey through,
Your Love can never ever fail,
Whatever winds may blow.
Oh Jesus, You're my sunshine,
The dearest Love I know!
--W.M. Runyan; adapted
JESUS, YOU'RE MY LOVING SAVIOR
Jesus, You're my loving Savior,
You are so precious to me!
Oh how I love and adore You,
For all Your mercy so free.
When I was lost on the mountain,
Barren and dark and cold,
You sought the sheep that was straying;
You brought me back to the fold.
Jesus, Jesus, dearer than all to me,
Jesus, Jesus, now only Yours I'll be!
Where You lead I will follow
Where'er that path may be,
And when life's journey is ended
Your face in glory I'll see!
--adapted
I KEEP FALLING IN LOVE
When I first fell in love with You, Lord,
I gave You all my heart,
And I thought I couldn't love You,
More than I did right at the start.
But now I look back over the mountains
And the valleys where we've been,
And it makes me know I love You
So much more than I did then!
There's a hand that I hold onto,
Through each valley and each trial.
There's a shoulder that I lean upon
As I face another mile.
There's a Love that I can depend on;
It's fresh and new each day,
And with love my heart is o'erflowing,
That is why I say:
"I keep falling in love with You over and over again.
You fill me with Your precious seeds and set me free!
Oh, what a love between You, Lord and me!
I keep falling in love with You over and over again."
--adapted
MY JESUS, I LOVE THEE **
My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine.
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou!
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, `tis now.
I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree.
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow.
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, `tis now.
In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I'll ever adore Thee in Heaven so bright.
I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, `tis now.
--W.R. Featherston
THE LOVELY THEME OF MY SONG
You are the lovely theme of my song;
Nothing Your beauty can mar.
All glory and praise to You belong;
You are my bright Morning Star.
Strength for my weakness You do impart,
You are the joy of my longing heart.
Fair Rose of Sharon are You to me;
By Your wonderful Love I can now live so free.
--Haldor Lillenas; adapted
YOU ARE MY LOVE SO PRECIOUS
You are my Love so precious,
So very dear to Me.
You love me with such tender Love.
You love so faithfully.
I could not live apart from You.
I know You're ever nigh.
We dwell together in such bliss,
You, my Love, and I.
Sometimes I'm faint and weary,
You know that I am weak;
And as You bid me lean on You,
Your help I gladly seek;
You lead me in the paths of light,
Beneath the sunny sky;
And so we walk together,
You, my Love, and I.
I tell You all my sorrows,
I tell You all my joys;
I tell You all that pleases me,
I tell You what annoys;
You tell me what I ought to do,
My dreams you satisfy;
And so we talk together,
You, my Love, and I.
You know that I am longing,
To draw some soul to you;
And so You bid me go and speak
A loving word so true;
You bid me tell Your wondrous Love,
And why You came to die;
And so we work together,
You, my Love, and I.
--adapted
JESUS, MY DEAR HUSBAND
Oh, Jesus, my dear Husband,
Thou art my joy and song.
My Savior and my comfort,
When griefs around me throng.
Chorus
Oh, Jesus, my dear Husband,
My song shall be of Thee.
No other one so constant,
No one so dear to me.
Thou art my hope in trouble,
Through all my doubts and fears,
When shadows dark surround me,
When fall the bitter tears.
I trust in Thee, my Husband,
My faithful Friend and Guide;
For Thou to me art dearer,
Than all on Earth beside.
--adapted
PRECIOUS MOMENTS
Precious moments, rich in blessing,
At the throne of grace I spend;
All my joys and griefs expressing,
To my best and truest Friend.
Here I find that sweet communion
With my Lover and My Lord,
Earnest of that blessed union
Promised in Thy Holy Word.
Lord, I praise Thee for this blessing,
For this privilege so sweet,
For Thy tender Love's caressing,
For this sure and safe retreat.
Never weary of my coming,
Never spurning my request;
I ever joy in Thy sweet blessing
And Thy great Love manifest.
--adapted
MY JOY OF LIVING
I love You, wondrous Lover,
You are my soul's delight.
Every blessing of Your favor
Fills my heart with hope so bright.
Chorus
Jesus, You're my joy of living;
You're the Love of life to me.
Unto You my all I'm giving,
Yours forever more to be.
I will do what You command me,
Anywhere You lead I'll go.
Jesus, You're my joy of living;
You're the dearest One I know.
Life is growing rich with beauty,
Toil has lost its weary strain.
Now a halo crowns each duty,
And I sing a glad refrain.
Heavenly wisdom You provide me,
Grace to keep my spirit free.
In Your Love, dear Lord, You guide me,
When the path I cannot see.
O what splendor, oh what glory,
O what matchless power divine!
Lord, I know You love me fully,
I am Yours, and You are mine.
--A.H. Ackley; adapted
IT WAS ALL YOUR LOVE
It was all Your Love that reached my soul;
It was Your grace that made me whole.
And now You keep me day by day,
And safely lead me all the way.
Chorus
O wondrous and amazing Love!
O grace that saved and ransomed me!
My heart and life shall sing of Thee
In time and in eternity.
It was Your Love, so boundless, free,
That moved You, Lord, to pardon me,
And owns me for a ransomed child,
Redeemed, renewed and reconciled.
It is Your great amazing Love
So well displayed from Heav'n Above,
That brings to me much peace and rest,
And makes me so supremely blest.
--E.A. Hoffman; adapted
YOU'RE ALL THE WORLD TO ME **
Jesus, You're all the world to me,
My life, my joy, my all.
You are my strength from day to day,
Without You I'd surely fall.
When I am sad, to You I go,
No other one can cheer me so.
When I am sad You make me glad.
You're my Friend.
Jesus, You're all the world to me,
My Friend in trials sore.
I go to You for blessings,
And You give them o'er and o'er.
You send the sunshine and the rain,
You send the harvest's golden grain --
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain --
You're my Friend.
Jesus, You're all the world to me,
And true to You I'll be.
Oh, how could I my Love deny,
When You're so true to me?
Following You I know I'm right,
You watch o'er me day and night.
Following You, by day and night --
You're my Friend.
Jesus, You're all the world to me,
I want no better Friend.
I trust You now, I'll trust You when
Life's fleeting days shall end.
Beautiful life with such a Friend --
Beautiful life that has no end,
Eternal life, eternal joy --
You're my Friend.
--Will Thompson
THE VERY THOUGHT OF THEE **
Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills my breast;
But sweeter far Thy face to see,
And in Thy presence rest.
No voice can sing, nor heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find
A sweeter sound than Thy blest Name,
O Savior of mankind!
O hope of every contrite heart,
O joy of all the meek,
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!
Jesus, our greatest joy be Thou,
As Thou our prize wilt be;
Jesus, be Thou our glory now,
And through eternity.
--Charles Wesley
STILL SWEETER EVERY DAY **
To You, Lord, every day I find
My heart is closer drawn;
You're fairer than the glory
Of the gold and purple dawn.
You're all my mind has pictured
In its fairest dreams, and more.
Each day You grow still sweeter
Than You were the day before.
Chorus
The half can't be imagined,
This side the Golden Shore;
Oh, There You'll still be sweeter
Than You ever were before.
Your glory broke upon me
When I saw You from afar.
You're fairer than the lily,
Brighter than the morning star.
You fill and satisfy my longing
Spirit o'er and o'er.
Each day You grow still sweeter
Than You were the day before.
My heart is sometimes heavy,
But You come with sweet relief.
You hold me in Your strong arms
When I'm burdened down with grief.
I love You, Lord, Who all my burdens
In Your body bore.
Each day You grow still sweeter
Than You were the day before.
--W.C. Martin; adapted
JESUS, I AM RESTING **
Jesus, I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transforming power,
Thy Love hast made me whole.
Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy Love so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart;
Satisfies my deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth round with blessings,
O Thine is Love indeed!
So lift Thy face upon me,
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting 'neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth's dark shadows flee.
The brightness of my Father's glory,
Sunshine of my Father's face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting,
Fill me with Thy grace.
--Jean Sophia Pigott; adapted
SWEETER AS THE DAYS GO BY
Your Love, O Jesus,
Means so much to me,
Keeps my pathway shining,
Keeps me pure and free.
More and more I praise You,
For You are to me
Sweeter as the days go by.
Chorus
Sweeter as the days go by.
Sweeter as the moments fly!
Sweeter and dearer as to me You draw nearer,
Sweeter as the days go by.
Precious, loving Husband, all along the way,
Words of cheer and comfort
I have heard You say.
And You grow more precious
To my soul each day,
Sweeter as the days go by.
You, I know, will keep me;
You will hold me fast
Till my earthly trials
Be forever past.
You will be, until I see
Your face at last,
Sweeter as the days go by.
--James Rowe; adapted
YOUR LOVE KEEPS ME SINGING
Oh, Your Love, dear Jesus,
Brightens all my days,
Keeps me singing all the time
Happy songs of praise.
Storms may rage about me,
Sky and path be dim,
Still Your Love will keep me singing,
You my hymn.
Chorus
Your Love keeps me singing,
Your Love makes me true;
Your Love keeps me singing
The whole day through.
Thus 'twill be in Heaven,
By the crystal sea;
In communion with You, Lord,
Love my theme will be:
More and more through ages,
In that Home Above,
I will sing of You, dear Lord
And Your redeeming Love.
--James Rowe; adapted
I'VE FOUND A FRIEND
I've found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!
You loved me 'ere I knew You,
You drew me with Your cords of Love,
And thus You bound me to You.
And round my heart still closely twine,
Those ties which naught can sever,
For I am Yours, and You are mine,
Forever and forever.
I've found a Friend, oh, such a Friend,
You bled, You died to save me.
And not alone the gift of Love,
But Your Own self You gave me.
For naught I have I call my own,
I hold it for You, Lord.
My heart, my strength, my life, my all,
Are Yours and Yours alone.
I've found a Friend, oh, such a Friend,
So kind, so true, so tender,
So wise a Husband and a Guide,
So mighty a defender!
From You Who loves me now so well,
What pow'r can my soul sever?
Shall life or death or Earth or hell?
No, I'm Your wife forever!
--J.G. Small; adapted
COME, SAVIOR, JESUS
Come, Savior, Jesus, from Above!
Assist me with Thy Heavenly grace;
Empty my heart of earthly love,
And for Thyself prepare the place.
O let Thy precious presence fill,
And set my longing spirit free!
Which pants to have no other will,
But day and night be pleasing Thee.
Thee I will love, Thee above all,
With pure delight and inward bliss:
To know thou takest me for Thine Own,
O what a happiness is this!
MY JESUS
My strength for today
And my hope for tomorrow!
You fill me with joy
And dispel all my sorrow.
When I've spent all my strength
Then of Yours I can borrow.
My Jesus, so special and true!
My Love when I'm lonely
The best that I know,
Just one moment with You
Can bring peace to my soul.
You're my Lover forever,
I'll never let go,
My Jesus, so special and true!
--Joan Clair
MY SAVIOR SO PRECIOUS
All-enveloping, infilling Love,
Who fills all my being with joy.
My Savior so precious
May no man unmesh us
May I ever be Yours to employ.
All-encompassing, all-knowing Love,
Who loves me despite what I am.
All my bitter made sweet,
All my life made complete,
Transformed in Your almighty hand.
All-glorious, radiant Love,
I give myself ever to Thee.
From the depths of my soul,
Please take full control
Dwell forever within, part of me.
--Joan Clair
EVERY PART
Every bit of my heart I am saving for You.
Jesus, take every part and make it brand new.
More than all other loves that could grow in my heart,
Still forever my Jesus, You'll get every part.
Not an easy decision it costs me these others,
Yet I step out by faith because You're the best Lover!
And somehow forever, I know You'll repay
And give me enough Love to last me always.
--Joan Clair
WITHIN YOUR LOVE
O Jesus, I hear Your voice,
The sound makes my heart rejoice!
I come close by Your side,
And leave the world behind.
We lie together now;
Our hearts beat with a vow
To beat as one heart beats,
Fulfilling deepest needs.
Nevermore to roam,
My heart has found a home
Within Your loving arms,
I'm dazzled by Your charms!
I gaze into Your face.
I melt in Your embrace,
Nowhere on Earth I find
Such Love and joy as Thine!
O Jesus, I come to Thee,
I want You inside of Me,
Your lovin's what I need
O fill me with Your Seeds!
I tremble at Your touch,
I need You, O so much!
It's Heaven when I feel
Your Love in me revealed!
Now lying on Your breast,
Such sweet and Heav'nly rest,
Whene'er we meet like this,
O Jesus, this is bliss!
Please help me all the day,
Close by Your heart to stay.
And never leave Your side
Within Your Love abide.
--Connie
COME BE MY BRIDE **
Sung to the tune of "Softly and Tenderly," on "Walk, Talk, Sing" cassette tape.
Softly and tenderly I hear You calling,
Calling to come be Your Bride!
Oh, how I love You and need Your sweet loving.
Jesus, I'm now by Your side.
Chorus
(Jesus:) "Oh come, oh come to Me!
Oh how I love you, oh come to Me!"
Earnestly, tenderly, I hear You calling,
Calling "Oh, come be My Bride."
Give me Your kisses, they're sweeter than honey,
Love that is better than wine!
Lie with me, come to me, oh, how I love You!
I'm yearning for You all the time!
Jesus, Your sweet Love now fills all my longings,
Thrilling, delighting my soul,
Reaching the innermost depths of my being,
Jesus, oh let Your Love flow!
Jesus, I take You now, wholly, completely,
Please give me Your Golden Seeds.
Wonderful Lover, my Sweetheart forever,
You satisfy my every need!
How could I ever desire another
Above You, My Sweetheart and Friend?
Clinging to You, I will treasure these moments.
Jesus, our Love never ends!
--Connie
GIFTS OF LOVE
Jesus, O Jesus, delight of my soul,
What treasures of Love on my life You bestow.
My heart is just thrilled that You call Me Your Bride,
I'll love you always, and stay by Your side.
I revel in joy and am ravished with Love,
What wonderful gifts You show'r from Above!
Your sweet loving eyes moved me right from the start.
The light from Your face, it illumines my heart!
Your whispers of Love, they fall soft on my ears
And lift me so gently and soothe all my fears,
Give comfort and strength and sweet unity.
With Your Spirit and Love -- Your Words set me free!
I have peace that flows deeply when I'm by Your side,
I'll never be moved, You hold me so tight.
A Love that is broader than all that I see,
Envelopes, enfolds me for Eternity!
Continual, unending communion we share
Of spirit and body, O what can compare
With the intercourse blissful when I'm in Your arms.
Your lovin' o'ertakes me, I'm won by Your charms!
O give Me Your Seeds and we'll bring forth much fruit,
Winning and reaching the lost who need You.
Please strip from my life all that stands in the way,
Of receiving the gifts You would give me today.
The blessings are endless, rewards they are great,
When in Your sweet presence I quietly wait.
When I need some lovin' to stoke up my fire,
To lie by Your side is my greatest desire!
--Connie
==========#==========#==========#==========
Section: Praise
YOU ARE MY REASON FOR LIVING **
You are my reason for living.
You are my joy and my song.
You are my rock and Salvation,
I'll praise You the whole day long.
--Cliff Barrows; adapted
SINKING SAND
From sinking sand You lifted me,
With tender hands You lifted me.
From shades of night to plains of light,
Oh praise Your Name, You lifted me!
A SONG OF GRATEFUL PRAISE
Now in a song of grateful praise,
To Thee, O Lord, my voice I'll raise,
With all Thy saints I'll join to tell,
My Jesus has done all things well.
--Martin Rinkart
THE BIRDS UPON THE TREE TOPS
The birds upon the treetops sing their song,
The angels chant the chorus all day long;
The flowers in the garden blend their hue,
So why shouldn't I, why shouldn't you praise God, too?
If angels up in Heaven praises sing,
All glory, laud* and honor to the King;
If nature shall forever praise proclaim,
Then why shouldn't I, why shouldn't you praise His Name?
Sing praises to the Father, praise the Son,
Sing praises to the Spirit, three in One;
Forever let your singing praise God's Name,
So praise the Lord, praise the Lord, praise His Name!
--Elsie Leslie
*laud: praise; hymn of praise
I WILL OFFER YOU PRAISE
I will offer You praise
When the sun meets the dew,
I will offer You praise
At the noon's brightest hue.
I will offer You praise
When the starlight is due;
If I wake in the night, Lord,
I'll be still praising You.
--Gary Johnson; adapted
I JOYFULLY WORSHIP YOUR NAME **
In the quiet of the morning,
I joyfully worship Your Name,
I lift my voice in singing
To praise You again and again.
For it fills my heart with gladness
That remains throughout the day.
In the quiet of the morning
I will joyfully worship Your Name.
--adapted
NO NAME SO SWEET **
There is no name so sweet on Earth,
No name so sweet in Heaven,
The Name, before His wondrous birth,
To Christ the Savior given.
We love to sing of Christ our King,
And hail Him, blessed Jesus!
For there's no word ear ever heard,
So dear, so sweet as Jesus.
ROSE OF SHARON *
As on "Dad's Songs of Love," tape 1.
How it charmed me and filled me with gladness;
In the beauty of springtime and youth,
When I wakened from sin and from sadness,
And my mind was illumined with Truth!
Chorus
Rose of Sharon now blooming I see,
Rose of Sharon so precious to me.
With my whole heart I sing, "Hallelujah!
Rose of Sharon so precious to me!"
But when conflict and trial befall me,
When the storms of temptation assail,
When the foes of my soul would enthrall me,
There's a Flower that blooms in the vale.
--Thoto Harris
JOYFUL, JOYFUL **
Sung to the tune of "Ode to Joy," Ludwig von Beethoven.
Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of Love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,
Praising Thee, their Sun Above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and Heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise:
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Blooming meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain,
Call us to rejoice with Thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well spring 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.
Mortals join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father-love is reigning o'er us,
Brother-love binds man to man.
Ever singing march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music lifts us sunward
In the triumph song of life.
--Henry Van Dyke
FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE EARTH **
For the beauty of the Earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth,
Over and around us lies,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the wonder of each hour,
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree and flower,
Sun and moon, and stars of light,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on Earth and friends Above,
For all gentle thoughts and mild,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.
For Thy Bride that evermore,
Lifteth holy hands above,
Offering up on every shore,
Her pure sacrifice of love,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise,
This our hymn of grateful praise.
--F.S. Pierpont; adapted
THE DANCING HEART **
Refrain:
Oh, the Holy Ghost will set your feet a-dancing,
The Holy Ghost will thrill you through and through;
The Holy Ghost will set your feet a-dancing,
And set your heart a-dancing too.
David danced before the Lord,
He danced with all his might,
His heart was filled with holy joy,
His spirit was so light;
Michal through the window looked,
To criticize did start,
She didn't know that David
Had got a dancing heart.
David danced before the Lord
To magnify His Name;
In God's almighty presence
He felt no sense of shame;
The oil of gladness flowed that day,
It quickened every part;
He hadn't only dancing feet,
He had a dancing heart.
Out of Egypt long ago,
The Israelites were led;
By a mighty miracle
They all were kept and fed;
Through the Red Sea they were brought,
The waters stood apart,
And God gave sister Miriam,
A dance down in her heart.
There was a celebration
Upon the Red Sea shore;
Timbrels rang, desert sands
Became a dancing floor;
The people sang and praised God there,
He made the gloom depart,
And put a dance of love and joy,
A-deep down in their hearts.
The prodigal was far away,
Wand'ring out in sin,
But he came back to father's house
And father took him in;
He put a robe upon his son,
The merriment did start,
The prodigal got dancing shoes
To match his dancing heart.
The father's house with music rang
To welcome home the son.
Wine was flowing full and free,
All misery was gone.
The elder brother looking on,
Complained it wasn't fair,
He hadn't got a dancing heart
Like all the others there.
Now many saints are cold
And bound by unbelief today.
They want the blessings of the Lord,
But worry what men say.
Oh, let the Lord have full control,
From dead traditions part,
And He will set you free within,
You'll have a dancing heart.
Now in the Bible we can read
That in the Latter Days,
Men would leave their First Love
And turn to carnal ways;
But true born saints of Jesus,
For the Bridegroom set apart,
Are waiting for His coming
With a joyful dancing heart.
ALL HAIL THE POWER **
All hail the power of Jesus' Name!
Let angels prostrate fall.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!
Let every kindred, every tribe,
On this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all;
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all!
Oh, that with yonder sacred throng,
We at His feet may fall.
We'll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all!
We'll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all!
--Edward Perrone
CROWN HIM **
Crown Him with many crowns,
The Lamb upon His throne;
Hark! How the Heavenly anthem drowns,
All music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing
Of Him Who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King,
Through all eternity.
Crown Him the Lord of life,
Who triumphed o'er the grave,
And rose victorious in the strife,
For those He came to save;
His glories now we sing
Who died and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring,
And lives that death may die.
Crown Him the Lord of peace,
Whose power a scepter sways,
From pole to pole, that wars may cease,
And all be prayer and praise.
His reign shall know no end,
And round His pierced feet
Fair flowers of paradise extend,
Their fragrance ever sweet.
Crown Him the Lord of Love;
Behold His hands and side,
Those wounds, yet visible Above,
In beauty glorified.
All hail, Redeemer, hail!
For Thou hast died for me:
Thy praise and glory shall not fail,
Throughout eternity.
Crown Him the Lord of Heaven,
One with the Father known,
And the blest Spirit through Him given,
From yonder glorious throne!
All hail, Redeemer, hail!
For Thou hast died for me!
Thy praise and glory shall not fail
Throughout eternity.
--Matthew Bridges
PRAISE HIM! PRAISE HIM! **
Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Sing, O Earth, His wonderful Love proclaim!
Hail Him! Hail Him! Highest archangels in glory;
Strength and honor give to His holy Name!
Like a shepherd Jesus will guard His children,
In His arms He carries them all day long;
Chorus
Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness,
Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song!
Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
For our sins He suffered, and bled, and died;
He our Rock, our hope of Eternal Salvation,
Hail Him! Hail Him! Jesus, the crucified.
Sound His praises! Jesus Who bore our sorrows,
Love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong;
Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Heavenly portals loud with hosannas ring!
Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever;
Crown Him! Crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King!
Christ is coming--over the world victorious!
Power and glory unto the Lord belong!
--Fanny J. Crosby
ALL GOD'S PEOPLE EVERYWHERE
God's people everywhere,
With sweet music fill the air!
People, come, your voices raise
To the Lord in hymns of praise!
Join the happy angels' song,
All the worlds to Him belong!
Morning, evening, bless His Name,
Skies and crimson clouds aflame,
Rainbow arch, His covenant sign,
Countless stars by night that shine!
Through His great and vast domain,
Love is king where He doth reign!
Storm and flood and ocean's roar,
Breakers crashing on the shore,
Waterfalls that never sleep,
Tow'ring mountain, canyon deep,
Tell ye forth His power and might,
Love of life and truth and right!
--J. Moment; adapted
SINGING FOR JESUS **
Singing for Jesus, our Savior and King,
Singing for Jesus, our Lord Whom we love;
All adoration we joyously bring,
Longing to praise as they praise Him Above.
Singing for Jesus, our Shepherd and Guide,
Singing for gladness of heart that He gives;
Singing for wonder and praise that He died,
Singing for blessing and joy that He lives!
Singing for Jesus, yes, singing for joy,
Thus will we praise Him and tell of His Love;
Till we shall praise with one heart and one voice.
Singing for Jesus, forever Above.
--F.R. Havergal
I SING THE MIGHTY POWER **
I sing Your mighty power, O God,
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad,
And built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained
The sun to rule the day.
The moon shines full at Your command,
And all the stars obey.
I sing Your goodness, O dear Lord,
Who filled the earth with food;
You formed the creatures with Your Word,
And then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Your wonders are displayed,
Where'er I turn my eyes,
If I survey the ground I tread,
Or gaze upon the skies!
There's not a plant or flower below,
But makes Your glories known;
And clouds arise and tempests blow,
By order from Your throne,
Creatures that borrow life from You
Are subject to Your care;
There's not a place where we can flee,
But You are present there.
--Isaac Watts
FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE
For all that You have done for me,
For all Your grace so rich and free,
I'll never cease to praise You.
You give me strength for every day,
You lead and guide me all the way,
I'll never cease to praise You.
Although Your Love the world neglects,
So great a Friend I couldn't reject
I'll never cease to praise You.
You save me every day and hour,
Just now I feel Your cleansing power,
I'll never cease to praise You.
While on my journey here below,
And when to that bright World I go,
I'll never cease to praise You.
I'll never cease to praise You.
My Savior and my King!
I'll never cease to praise You.
You've given me everything!
--adapted
I KNOW A NAME **
I know a Name that can drive away all sorrows;
I know a Name that is sweeter than them all;
I know a Name from which comfort I may borrow,
When others fail and my tears of anguish fall.
Chorus
I know a Name, a wonderful Name.
That wonderful Name is Jesus.
I know a Name that can still the raging billows;
I know a Name that can calm the troubled sea;
I know a Name that unlocks the gates of Heaven,
For every heart that by sin may troubled be.
I know a Name that dispels the powers of evil;
I know a Name that can break the Tempter's snare;
I know a Name with a tender touch of healing,
When through its merits I go to God in prayer.
GLORY BE TO HIM **
Glory be to Him Who loved us.
Washed us from each sinful stain;
Glory be to Him Who made us,
Priests and kings with Him to reign;
Glory, worship, laud and blessing.
To the Lamb Who once was slain.
"Glory, worship, praise and blessing,"
Thus the choir triumphant sings;
"Honor, riches, power, dominion,"
Thus its praise creation brings;
Thou art worthy, Thou art worthy,
Lord of lords, and King of kings.
Glory to the King of angels,
Glory to the Church's King,
Glory to the King of nations,
Heaven and Earth His praises sing:
Glory ever and forever,
To the King of Glory bring.
--adapted
LIVING FOR YOU **
Living for You, Lord, oh what peace!
Rivers of pleasure never cease.
Trials may come, yet I'll not fear;
Living for You, Lord, You are near.
Chorus
Help me to love You more and more,
Help me to praise You o'er and o'er,
Live in Your presence day by day,
Never to turn from You away.
Living for You, Lord, oh what rest!
Believing my Savior, I am blessed.
Only to live for You alone,
Doing Your will till life is done.
Living for You, Lord, everywhere,
All of my burdens You do bear.
Friends may forsake me, You'll be true,
Trusting You, Lord, You'll guide me through.
Living for You, Lord, till at last,
Into Your glory I have passed,
There to behold You on Your throne,
Hear from Your lips, "My child, well done."
--adapted
MY HEART SINGS
For grace that saved this soul of mine,
For healing streams of Love divine,
My heart sings hallelujah!
For peace Your presence doth afford,
For rest I find within Your Word,
My heart sings hallelujah!
For Love that burns within my soul,
For You Who all my steps control,
My heart sings hallelujah!
For joy that You alone can give,
For faith that with You I shall live,
My heart sings hallelujah!
--adapted
MY SINGING IS A PRAYER
My singing is a prayer, O Lord,
A prayer of thanks and praise;
In music, Lord, I worship Thee;
Thy beauty fills my days.
I give my talents, Lord, to Thee
My mind and heart and voice.
For Thou alone art worthy, Lord;
In Thee I do rejoice.
Accept the worship of my heart,
Accept my music, too.
Help me to live always for Thee;
Lord, help me to be true.
Oh, bless me, Lord, and help me sing
Thy Love so full and free,
And bless all those who listen, Lord;
Help them to worship Thee.
--N. D. Preston
MY SONG SHALL BE OF YOU
My song shall be of You, Lord,
Your mercy crowns my days.
You fill my cup with blessings,
And tune my heart to praise.
My song shall be of You, Lord,
The precious Lamb of God,
Who gave Yourself my ransom,
And bought me with Your blood.
My song shall be to You, Lord,
When sitting at Your feet.
I call to mind Your goodness,
In meditation sweet.
My song shall be of You, Lord,
Whatever ill betide.
I'll sing the grace that saves me,
And keeps me at Your side.
My song shall be of You, Lord,
While pressing on my way,
To reach the wondrous Heavenly realm,
Of pure and perfect day.
And when my soul shall enter,
The gate of Eden fair,
A song of praise to You, Lord,
I'll sing forever There!
--adapted
WONDERFUL GRACE OF JESUS **
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Greater than all my sin--
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Chorus
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea,
Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
All sufficient grace for even me, for even me.
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame,
O magnify the precious Name of Jesus, praise His Name!
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching to all the lost --
By it, I have been pardoned,
Saved to the uttermost.
Chains have been torn asunder,
Giving me liberty,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power.
Making him God's dear child;
Purchasing peace and Heaven,
For all eternity,
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
--Haldor Lillenas
NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD **
Now thank we all our God,
With heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done,
In Whom His world rejoices,
Who from our mother's arms,
Hath blessed us on our way,
With countless gifts of Love,
And still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God,
Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts,
And blessed peace to cheer us,
And keep us in His grace,
And guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills,
In this world and the Next.
All praise and thanks to God,
The Father, now be given,
The Son, and She Who reigns,
With Him in highest Heaven,
The one eternal God,
Whom Earth and Heaven adore.
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be evermore.
--Martin Rinkart; adapted
SING WITH A TUNEFUL SPIRIT
Sing with a tuneful spirit,
Sing with a cheerful voice,
Praise to thy great Creator,
In Whom is found all joy.
Sing when the birds are waking,
Sing with the morning light,
Sing in the noontime's golden beam,
Sing in the hush of night.
Sing when the heart is troubled,
Sing when the hours are long;
Sing when the storm clouds gather,
Sweet is the voice of song.
Sing when the sky is darkest,
Sing when the thunders roll;
Sing of a land where rest remains,
Rest for the weary soul.
--Fanny Crosby
THE LOVE OF GOD **
Can be sung to the tune of "O Love of God" (Praise Time, Vol. 1)
Oh Love of God, how strong and true,
Eternal, and yet ever new --
Uncomprehended and unbought,
Beyond all knowledge and all thought.
Oh wide embracing, wondrous Love!
We read Thee in the sky above;
We read Thee in the Earth below,
In seas that swell and streams that flow.
We read Thee best in Him Who came,
To bear for us the cross of shame,
Sent by the Father from on High,
Our life to live, our death to die.
We read Thy power to bless and save,
E'en in the darkness of the grave.
Still more in resurrection light,
We read the fullness of Thy might.
Oh Love of God, our shield and stay,
Through all the perils of our way!
Eternal Love, in Thee we rest,
Forever safe, forever blessed.
--F. M. Lehman
FAIREST LORD JESUS **
Fairest Lord Jesus! Ruler of all nature!
O Thou of God and man the Son!
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul's glory, joy and crown!
Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring.
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing!
Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight,
And all the twinkling starry host.
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer,
Than all the angels Heav'n can boast!
--17th century Crusaders' hymn
--Trans. from German: R.S. Willis
WONDERFUL HOW YOU TREAT ME
It's wonderful how You treat me now.
You supply all my wants.
You give me more than I dare ask.
You anticipate my every need.
You beg me to ask for more.
You never remind me of my past ingratitude.
You never rebuke me for my past follies.
Let me tell You further what I think of You.
You are as good as You are great.
Your Love is as ardent as it is true.
You are as lavish with Your promises
As You are faithful in keeping them.
I am as desirous of Your Love
As I am undeserving of it.
I am in all things Your debtor,
But You bid me call You, Friend.
==========#==========#==========#==========
More Poems of Love and Praise to Jesus from Good Thots
Commitment, pg. 507; 90, 224, 230, 233, 394.
Communion with God, pg. 576; 2, 18.
Communion with God, Praise and Thankfulness, pg. 580; 11, 35, 36, 42, 44, 52, 56, 57, 61, 69, 71, 72, 92,94, 102, 103,110, 113, 114, 119, 122, 125, 129, 130.
Communion with God, Prayer, pg. 602; 1, 306, 307, 315, 411, 447.
Creation, pg. 720; 1, 2, 6, 59, 151.
Death, pg. 771; 51.
Faith and Trust, pg. 1035; 168, 431.
Jesus and Salvation, pg.1170; 61, 74, 108, 117, 120, 156, 157.
Loneliness, pg. 1213; 21.
Love, pg. 1236; 129, 162, 200, 236, 280, 327, 353, 357, 359, 360, 368, 369, 372, 373, 377.
Sleep, pg. 1508; 35, 77, 101, 110, 111.
Special Days, pg. 1540; 12, 13.
Trials and Triumphs, pg. 1577; 120, 309, 310, 312, 546, 571, 808.
[End]
Copyright (c) 1998 by The Family