A prayer? Or a patriotic song?

695 My Country 'Tis of Thee

1 My country, 'tis of thee,
   Sweet land of liberty,
   Of thee I sing;
   Land where my fathers died,
   Land of the pilgrims' pride,
   From ev'ry mountainside
   Let freedom ring!

2 My native country, thee,
   Land of the noble free,
   Thy name I love;
   I love thy rocks and rills,
   Thy woods and templed hills;
   My heart with rapture thrills,
   Like that above.

3 Let music swell the breeze,
   And ring from all the trees
   Sweet freedom's song;
   Let mortal tongues awake;
   Let all that breathe partake;
   Let rocks their silence break,
   The sound prolong.

4 Our fathers' God, to thee,
   Author of liberty,
   To thee we sing;
   Long may our land be bright
   With freedom's holy light;
   Protect us by thy might,
   Great God, our King.
                         Samuel F. Smith
                         Hymns for the Family of God

<idle musing>
OK, some sing this as a patriotic song of victory, but if you look at the words, it's really a prayer—especially after verse 1. Of course, most people don't know any verse except the first one, so I guess it makes sense to see it as a country-praising call to arms. I'll take it as a prayer, though. And we certainly need it to be answered in today's world!

That's the final hymn in this hymnbook. And this is the final hymnbook currently in my collection (I've owned many more in the past), so any future hymns I post will be ones I come across in other books. I hope you've enjoyed the three-plus years as I've wandered through three Methodist hymnals and one generic evangelical one.
</idle musing>

Hear the Voice of Jesus Calling

669 Hear the Voice of Jesus Calling

1. Hark! the voice of Jesus calling,
   "Who will go and work today?
   Fields are white, the harvest waiting,
   Who will bear the sheaves away?"
   Loud and long the Master calls out,
   Rich reward he offers free:
   Who will answer, gladly saying,
   "Here am I, send me, send me."

2. If you cannot cross the ocean
   And the foreign lands explore,
   You can find the needy nearer,
   You can help them at your door.
   If you cannot give in thousands,
   You can give the widow's mite,
   And the least you give for Jesus,
   Will be precious in his sight.

3. If you cannot speak like angels,
   If you cannot preach like Paul,
   You can tell the love of Jesus,
   You can say he died for all.
   If you cannot rouse the wicked,
   With the judgment's dread alarms,
   You may lead the little children,
   To the Savior's waiting arms.

4. Let none hear you idly saying,
   "There is nothing I can do,"
   While the lost of Earth are dying,
   And the Master calls for you.
   Take the task he gives you gladly;
   Let his work your pleasure be.
   Answer quickly when he's calling,
   "Here am I, send, send me."
                         Daniel Marsh
                         Hymns for the Family of God

Macedonia (hymn)

668 Macedonia

The vision of a dying world
   Is vast before our eyes;
   We feel the heartbeat of its need,
   We hear its feeble cries:
   Lord Jesus Christ, revive Thy Church
   In this, her crucial hour!
   Lord Jesus Christ, awake Thy Church
   With Spirit-given power.

The savage hugs his god of stone
   And fears descent of night;
   The city dweller cringes lone
   Amid the garish light:
   Lord Jesus Christ, arouse Thy Church
   To see their mute distress!
   Lord Jesus Christ, equip Thy Church
   With love and tenderness.

Today, as understanding’s bounds
   Are stretched on every hand,
   Oh, clothe Thy Word in bright, new sounds,
   And speed it o’er the land;
   Lord Jesus Christ, empower us
   To preach by every means!
   Lord Jesus Christ, embolden us
   In near and distant scenes.

The warning bell of judgment tolls,
   Above us looms the cross;
   Around are ever-dying souls—
   How great, how great the loss!
   O Lord, constrain and move Thy Church
   The glad news to impart!
   And Lord, as Thou dost stir Thy Church,
   Begin within my heart.
                         Anne Ortlund
                         Hymns for the Family of God

Jesus Saves! (hymn)

667 Jesus Saves!

1 We have heard the joyful sound:
   Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
   Spread the tidings all around:
   Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
   Bear the news to ev'ry land,
   Climb the steeps and cross the waves;
   Onward! 'tis our Lord's command;
   Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

2 Waft it on the rolling tide:
   Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
   Tell to sinners far and wide:
   Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
   Sing, ye islands of the sea;
   Echo back, ye ocean caves;
   Earth shall keep her jubilee:
   Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

3 Sing above the battle strife:
   Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
   By His death and endless life
   Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
   Sing it softly through the gloom,
   When the heart for mercy craves;
   Sing in triumph o'er the tomb:
   Jesus saves! Jesus saves!

4 Give the winds a mighty voice:
   Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
   Let the nations now rejoice:
   Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
   Shout salvation full and free;
   Highest hills and deepest caves;
   This our song of victory:
   Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
                         Priscilla J. Owens
                         Hymns for the Family of God

Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life

665 Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life

1 Where cross the crowded ways of life,
   Where sound the cries of race and clan,
   Above the noise of selfish strife,
   We hear Thy voice, O Son of man!

2 In haunts of wretchedness and need,
   On shadowed thresholds dark with fears,
   From paths where hide the lures of greed,
   We catch the vision of Thy tears.

3 The cup of water given for Thee
   Still holds the freshness of Thy grace;
   Yet long these multitudes to see
   The sweet compassion of Thy face.

4 O Master, from the mountainside,
   Make haste to heal these hearts of pain;
   Among these restless throngs abide,
   O tread the city's streets again,

5 Till sons of men shall learn Thy love
   And follow where Thy feet have trod;
   Till, glorious from Thy heaven above,
   Shall come the city of our God!
                         Frank M. North
                         Hymns for the Family of God

<idle musing>
Definitely a social gospel hymn! Take a minute to read the biography at the link above. Seems he was a pretty important person in his day. Hymnary.org inserts a sixth verse:

3 From tender childhood's helplessness,
   from human grief and burdened toil,
   from famished souls, from sorrow's stress,
   your heart has never known recoil.

</idle musing>

Send the Light

663 Send the Light

1 There’s a call comes ringing o’er the restless wave:
   “Send the light! Send the light!”
   There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save.
   Send the light! Send the light!

Refrain:
   Send the light, the blessed gospel light.
   Let it shine from shore to shore.
   Send the light, the blessed Gospel light.
   Let it shine forevermore.

2 We have heard the Macedonian call today:
   “Send the light! Send the light!”
   And a golden off'ring at the cross we lay,
   Send the light! Send the light! [Refrain]

3 Let us pray that grace may ev'rywhere abound;
   Send the light! Send the light!
   And a Christ-like spirit ev'rywhere be found.
   Send the light! Send the light! [Refrain]

4 Let us not grow weary in the work of love.
   Send the light! Send the light!
   Let us gather jewels for a crown above.
   Send the light! Send the light! [Refrain]
                         Charles H. Gabriel
                         Hymns for the Family of God

He Lifted Me

653 He Lifted Me

1 In loving kindness Jesus came,
   my soul in mercy to reclaim,
   and from the depths of sin and shame,
   through grace He lifted me.

Refrain:
   From sinking sand He lifted me,
   with tender hand He lifted me,
   from shades of night to plains of light,
   O praise His name, He lifted me!

2 He called me long before I heard,
   before my sinful heart was stirred,
   but when I took Him at His word,
   forgiv'n He lifted me. [Refrain]

3 His brow was pierced with crown of thorn,
   His hands by cruel nails were torn,
   when from my guilt and grief, forlorn,
   in love He lifted me. [Refrain]

4 Now on a higher plane I dwell,
   and with my soul I know ’tis well;
   Yet how or why, I cannot tell,
   He should have lifted me. [Refrain]
                         Charles H. Gabriel
                         Hymns for the Family of God

<idle musing>
Seems the author had quite a few pen names, but that's about all we know about him...
</idle musing>

Jesus Never Fails (hymn)

651 Jesus Never Fails

1 Earthly friends may prove untrue,
   Doubts and fears assail;
   One still loves and cares for you,
   One who will not fail.

Refrain:
   Jesus never fails,
   Jesus never fails;
   Heav'n and earth may pass away,
   But Jesus never fails.

2 Tho' the sky be dark and drear,
   Fierce and strong the gale;
   Just remember He is near,
   And He will not fail. [Refrain]

3 In life's dark and bitter hour
   Love will still prevail;
   Trust His everlasting pow'r
   Jesus will not fail. [Refrain]
                         Arthur A. Luther
                         Hymns for the Family of God

I'd Rather Have Jesus

650 I'd Rather Have Jesus

1 I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
   I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
   I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands.
   I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand Refrain:
   Than to be the king of a vast domain
   or be held in sin's dread sway.
   I'd rather have Jesus than anything
   this world affords today.

2 I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause;
   I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
   I'd rather have Jesus than world-wide fame.
   I'd rather be true to His holy name [Refrain]

3 He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom'
   He's sweeter than honey from out the comb;
   He's all that my hungering spirit needs.
   I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead [Refrain]
                         Rhea F. Miller
                         Hymns for the Family of God

<idle musing>
I wonder how many Christians today would stand by this? When power and wealth and status are worshiped by so many, do we really believe that Jesus is preferable?

By the way, take a look at the biography of the hymnwriter, which includes the story of how the tune was written—by George Beverly Shea!
</idle musing>

Since Jesus Came into My Heart

639 Since Jesus Came into My Heart

1 What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
   Since Jesus came into my heart!
   I have light in my soul for which long I have sought,
   Since Jesus came into my heart!

Refrain:
   Since Jesus came into my heart,
   Since Jesus came into my heart,
   Floods of joy o'er my soul like the sea billows roll,
   Since Jesus came into my heart.

2 I have ceased from my wand'ring and going astray,
   Since Jesus came into my heart!
   And my sins which were many are all washed away,
   Since Jesus came into my heart! [Refrain]

3 I shall go there to dwell in that city, I know,
   Since Jesus came into my heart!
   And I'm happy, so happy, as onward I go,
   Since Jesus came into my heart! [Refrain]
                         Rufus H. McDaniel
                         Hymns for the Family of God

<idle musing>
Hymnary.org inserts a pair of verses:

3 I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,
   Since Jesus came into my heart!
   And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,
   Since Jesus came into my heart! [Refrain]

4 There's a light in the valley of death now for me,
   Since Jesus came into my heart!
   And the gates of the City beyond I can see,
   Since Jesus came into my heart! [Refrain]

</idle musing>

Redeemed!

646 Redeemed

1 Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
   Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!
   redeemed through His infinite mercy—
   His child, and forever, I am.

Refrain:
   Redeemed, redeemed,
   redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!
   Redeemed, redeemed–
   His child and forever, I am.

2 Redeemed and so happy in Jesus,
   no language my rapture can tell!
   I know that the light of His presence
   with me doth continually dwell. [Refrain]

3 I think of my blessed Redeemer;
   I think of Him all the day long.
   I sing, for I cannot be silent;
   His love is the theme of my song. [Refrain]

4 I know I shall see in His beauty
   the King in whose law I delight,
   who lovingly guardeth my footsteps
   and giveth me songs in the night. [Refrain]
                         Fanny Crosby
                         Hymns for the Family of God

Now I Belong to Jesus

637 Now I Belong to Jesus

1 Jesus my Lord will love me forever,
   From him no pow'r of evil can sever;
   He gave his life to ransom my soul-
   Now I belong to him!

Refrain:
   Now I belong to Jesus,
   Jesus belongs to me-
   Not for the years of time alone,
   But for eternity.

2 Once I was lost in sin's degradation,
   Jesus came down to bring me salvation,
   Lifted me up from sorrow and shame-
   Now I belong to him! [Refrain]

3 Joy floods my soul, for Jesus has saved me,
   Freed me from sin that long had enslaved me;
   His precious blood he gave to redeem-
   Now I belong to him! [Refrain]
                         Norman J. Clayton
                         Hymns for the Family of God

<idle musing>
I mused about Clayton in this post. As for this hymn, there is a nice devotional on it here.
</idle musing>

The Light of the World Is Jesus

636 The Light of the World Is Jesus

1 The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin;
   The Light of the world is Jesus.
   Like sunshine at noonday His glory shone in;
   The Light of the world is Jesus.

Refrain:
   Come to the Light; ’tis shining for thee.
   Sweetly the Light has dawned upon me.
   Once I was blind, but now I can see.
   The Light of the world is Jesus.

2 No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
   The Light of the world is Jesus.
   We walk in the light when we follow our Guide;
   The Light of the world is Jesus. [Refrain]

4 No need of the sunlight in heaven, we’re told;
   The Light of the world is Jesus.
   The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold;
   The Light of the world is Jesus. [Refrain]
                         Philip P. Bliss
                         Hymns for the Family of God

<idle musing>
I don't recall ever hearing or singing this Philip Bliss song. It isn't one of his better know ones, only occurring in about 180 hymnals. Hymnary.org inserts a verse:

3 Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes:
   The Light of the world is Jesus.
   Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise;
   The Light of the world is Jesus. [Refrain]

</idle musing>

Why Do I Sing about Jesus?

635 Why Do I Sing about Jesus?

1 Deep in my heart there's a gladness,
   Jesus has saved me from sin!
   Praise to His name, what a Saviour!
   Cleansing without and within.

Refrain:
   Why do I sing about Jesus?
   Why is He precious to me?
   He is my Lord and my Saviour,
   Dying! He set me free!

2 Only a glimpse of His goodness,
   That was sufficient for me;
   Only one look at the Saviour,
   Then was my spirit set free. (Refrain)

3 He is the fairest of fair ones,
   He is the Lily, the Rose;
   Rivers of mercy surround Him,
   Grace, love, and pity He shows. (Refrain)
                         Albert A. Ketchum
                         Hymns for the Family of God

O, How I Love Jesus

634 O, How I Love Jesus

1 There is a name I love to hear,
   I love to sing its worth;
   It sounds like music in my ear,
   The sweetest name on earth.

Refrain:
   O how I love Jesus,
   O how I love Jesus,
   O how I love Jesus,
   Because He first loved me!

2 It tells me of a Savior's love,
   Who died to set me free;
   It tells me of His precious blood,
   The sinner's perfect plea. [Refrain]

3 It tells of One whose loving heart
   Can feel my deepest woe,
   Who in each sorrow bears a part,
   That none can bear below. [Refrain]
                         Frederick Whitfield
                         Hymns for the Family of God

<idle musing>
Hymnary.org inserts a verse:

3 It tells me what my Father has
   In store for ev'ry day,
   And though I tread a gloomy path,
   The sinner's all the way. [Refrain]

</idle musing>

In My Heart There Rings a Melody

633 In My Heart There Rings a Melody

1 I have a song that Jesus gave me,
   It was sent from heav'n above;
   There never was a sweeter melody,
   'Tis a melody of love.

Chorus:
   In my heart there rings a melody,
   There rings a melody with heaven's harmony;
   In my heart there rings a melody,
   There rings a melody of love.

2 I love the Christ who died on Calv'ry,
   For He washed my sins away;
   He put within my heart a melody,
   And I know it's there to stay. [Chorus]

3 'Twill be my endless theme in glory,
   With the angels I will sing;
   'Twill be a song with glorious harmony,
   When the courts of heaven ring. [Chorus]
                         Elton M. Roth
                         Hymns for the Family of God

He's Everything to me

In the stars His handiwork I see,
On the wind He speaks with majesty,
Though He ruleth over land and sea,
What is that to me?
I will celebrate Nativity,
For it has a place in history,
Sure, He came to set His people free,
What is that to me?

Till by faith I met Him face to face,
and I felt the wonder of His grace,
Then I knew that He was more than just a
God who didn't care,
That lived a way out there and

Now He walks beside me day by day,
Ever watching o'er me lest I stray,
Helping me to find that narrow way,
He's Everything to me.
                         Ralph Carmichael
                         Hymns for the Family of God

I Know Whom I Have Believed

631 I Know Whom I Have Believed

1. I know not why God’s wondrous grace
   To me He hath made known,
   Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
   Redeemed me for His own.

Refrain:
   But “I know Whom I have believed,
   And am persuaded that He is able
   To keep that which I’ve committed
   Unto Him against that day.”

2. I know not how this saving faith
   To me He did impart,
   Nor how believing in His Word
   Wrought peace within my heart.

3. I know not how the Spirit moves,
   Convincing men of sin,
   Revealing Jesus through the Word,
   Creating faith in Him.

4. I know not when my Lord may come,
   At night or noonday fair,
   Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
   Or meet Him in the air.
                         Daniel W. Whittle
                         Hymns for the Family of God

<idle musing>
Hymnary.org inserts a verse after verse 3:

4 I know not what of good or ill
   May be reserved for me,
   Of weary ways or golden days,
   Before His face I see.

</idle musing>

There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today

630 There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today

1 There is sunshine in my soul today,
   More glorious and bright
   Than glows in any earthly sky,
   For Jesus is my light.

Refrain:
   O there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine,
   When the peaceful happy moments roll:
   When Jesus shows His smiling face,
   There is sunshine in the soul.

2 There is music in my soul today,
   A carol to my King,
   And Jesus, listening, can hear
   The songs I cannot sing. [Refrain]

3 There is springtime in my soul today,
   For when the Lord is near,
   The dove of peace sings in my heart,
   The flowers of grace appear. [Refrain]

4 There is gladness in my soul today,
   And hope and praise and love
   For blessings which He gives me now,
   For joys "laid up" above. [Refrain]
                         Eliza E. Hewitt
                         Hymns for the Family of God

<idle musing>
Lest you think that this hymn is just a light, fluffy little piece, take a look at the bio of the author. Seems she developed a spinal malady that kept her a shut-in. And yet she wrote this hymn...
</idle musing>

He Touched Me

628 He Touched Me

1 Shackled by a heavy burden,
   'Neath a load of guilt and shame—
   Then the hand of Jesus touched me,
   And now I am no longer the same.

Refrain:
   He touched me, oh, He touched me,
   And oh, the joy that floods my soul;
   Something happened, and now I know,
   He touched me, and made me whole.

2 Since I've met this blessed Savior,
   Since He's cleansed and made me whole,
   Oh, I will never cease to praise Him—
   I'll shout it while eternity rolls. [Refrain]
                         William J. Gaither
                         Hymns for the Family of God