Palm Sunday 2014

The Savior! what a noble flame

Was kindled in his breast,

When hasting to Jerusalem

He marched before the rest!
 

Good-will to men, and zeal for God,

His every thought engross;

He longs to be baptized with blood,

He pants to reach the cross.
 

With all his suff'rings full in view,

And woes, to us, unknown,

Forth to the task his spirit flew,

'Twas love that urged him on.
 

LORD, we return thee what we can!

Our hearts shall sound abroad

Salvation, to the dying Man,

And to the rising God!
 

And while thy bleeding glories here

Engage our wond'ring eyes;

We learn our lighter cross to bear,

And hasten to the skies.

-William Cowper image

Jesus! where’er thy people meet...

Jesus! where’er thy people meet,

There they behold thy mercy-seat;

Where’er they seek thee, thou art found,

And every place is hallow’d ground.
 

Dear Shepherd of thy chosen few!

Thy former mercies here renew;

Here to our waiting hearts proclaim

The sweetness of thy saving name.

...William Cowper image

O for a closer walk with God,,,

O for a closer walk with God,
A calm and heavenly frame,
A light to shine upon the road
That leads me to the Lamb.

Return, O holy Dove, return,
Sweet messenger of rest!
I hate the sins that made Thee mourn
And drove Thee from my breast.

The dearest idol I have known,
Whate'er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from Thy throne,
And worship only Thee.

So shall my walk be close with God,
Calm and serene my frame;
So purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb.... William Cowper image

When darkness long has veil'd my mind...

When darkness long has veil'd my mind,

And smiling day once more appears;

Then, my Redeemer, then I find

The folly of my doubts and fears.

Oh! let me then at length be taught

Why I am still so slow to learn;

That God is love, and changes not,

Nor knows the shadow of a turn.

Sweet truth, and easy to repeat!

But when my faith is sharply try'd;

I find myself a learner yet,

Unskilful, weak, and apt to slide.

But, O my Lord, one look from thee

Subdues the disobedient will;

Drives doubt and discontent away,

And thy rebellious worm is still.

...William Cowper

image by Barry Skeates