Jesus, with Thy Church Abide

Thomas Pollock (1836-1896) was a hymnist in England who wrote a number of hymns during his life. Ironically, he was a committee member for "Hymns Ancient and Modern" (remember, this was mid-1800's! wasn't everything ancient? I guess not for them.). At our Core Team Meeting this past week, our worship leader Phil lead us with one of Pollock's hymns that struck such a deep chord in me. The hymn is a prayer of suplication to Jesus to be the true Senior Pastor of the Church and that the church would fully live out her mission. I encourage you to reflect deeply on these words:

Jesus with Thy Church Abide

Jesus, with Thy church abide;
Be her savior, Lord, and Guide,
While on earth her faith is tried:
We beseech Thee, hear us, We beseech Thee, hear us.

Keep her life and doctrine pure;
Grant her patience to endure,
Trusting in Thy promise sure: We beseech Thee, hear us,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

May she one in doctrine be,
One in truth and charity,
Winning all to faith in Thee:
We beseech Thee, hear us, We beseech Thee, hear us.

May she guide the poor and blind, S
eek the lost until she find
And the brokenhearted bind:
We beseech Thee, hear us, We beseech Thee, hear us.

Amen.