By Thy Mercy

This morning I'm listening to a hymn that brings back good memories.  The first time I heard "Lord of Life and Glory" was at RUF fall conference.  Greg Thompson was the guest speaker and pulled double duty by leading worship.  This is was one of the songs he played.  And I remember him stating that he just recently finished the music.  Or the album was just out.  Or something along those lines.  Here's a link to Indelible Grace performing the hymn.

1) Jesus, Lord of life and glory,
bend from heaven they gracious ear;
while our waiting souls adore thee,
friend of helpless sinners, hear:

Refrain: By thy mercy,
O deliver us, good Lord.

2) From the depth of nature's blindness,
from the hardening power of sin,
from all malice and unkindness,
from the pride that lurks within.  Refrain.

3) When temptation sorely presses,
in the day of Satan's power,
in our times of deep distresses,
in each dark and trying hour. Refrain

4) When the world around is smiling,
in the time of wealth and ease,
earthly joys our hearts beguiling,
in the day of health and peace, Refrain

5) In the weary hours of sickness, 
in the times of grief and pain,
when we feel our mortal weakness,
when all human help is vain, Refrain

6) In the solemn hour of dying,
in the awful judgment day,
may our souls on thee relying,
find thee still our Rock and Stay; Refrain 

This hymn was written by James John Cummins. While living in London, Cummins directed the Union Bank of Australia.   He also spent his time studying Hebrew and theology, writing down his thoughts and meditations, and published a book of his works called Seals of the Covenant Opened in the Sacraments (later republished as Hymns, Meditations and Other Poems). (Fun fact #1: Actual title of the book, but no one ever used for it: Lyra Evangelica.)  I think it's good to see a hymn not written by a pastor. I'm sure I will come across quite a few more, but I think it's a good reminder that all of God's people participate in worship. I know that seems rather obvious; however, I think there is a bit of consumerist approach to a lot of worship nowadays where the congregation wants to be spoon fed. Worship is a return of the blessings that God has given us.  Cummins returned those blessings with a beautiful hymn that shows how much we need the Lord in every aspect of our lives.  It makes me ask the question, what am I returning?

As mentioned before, this hymn recalls some wonderful memories. When I first heard "Jesus, Lord of Life of Glory," it instantly became one of my favorites.  Not surprising considering that my other favorite at the time was "Not What my Hands have Done." I seriously wanted our intern Alex to play this every time he had his guitar out.  I kept calling it "the fall conference song" or "By Thy Mercy."  He finally said he wouldn't play the hymn until I learned the "proper name." (Well poo on you Alex, look at what Indelible Grace calls it, and they're bonafide.) Now, as I listen and read through the lyrics, it reminds me of wedding vows. For richer and poorer, in sickness and in health.  Marriage is a covenant bond that is only separated by death.  Here, Cummins demonstrates that we need God's deliverance in all phases of life.  Yet, unlike marriage, God's vow to us is not severed by death.  Instead His love is eternal and His deliverance is never ending.

Here is a picture of some wonderful people and me at fall conference.  I straight up stole this from Peter (the guy between the girls, of course.)  I haven't seen these folks in a long time, but they're never far from my thoughts and prayers.