Strong in Faith, in Love, in Hope

I'm just back from the All-California Convention, and my ears are still ringing. The song that has hold of me, though, isn't one we sang there. Sometimes I need to shout down my fear, sometimes I need to voice praise and thanks, other times I need to join my dead. Right now, what I need most is a sweet song that makes me feel held by God:

from Gainsville

Lord, we come before Thee now,
At thy feet we humbly bow;
O do not our suit disdain;
Shall we seek Thee, Lord, in vain?

Lord, on Thee our souls depend;
In compasion now descend;
Fill our hearts with Thy rich grace,
Tune our lips to sing Thy praise.

Comfort those who weep and mourn;
Let the time of joy return;
Those who are cast down lift up,
Strong in faith, in love, and hope.

Grant that all may seek and find
Thee a god supremely kind;
Heal the sick, the captive free,
Let us all rejoice in Thee.

poetry: William Hammond 1745
music: W.D. Jones 1869