the house of thine abode,
the church our blest Redeemer saved
with his own precious blood.
2. I love thy church, O God:
her walls before thee stand,
dear as the apple of thine eye
and graven on thy hand.
3. For her my tears shall fall,
for her my prayers ascend;
to her my cares and toils be giv'n,
'til toils and cares shall end.
4. Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heav'nly ways,
her sweet communion, solemn vows,
her hymns of love and praise.
5. Jesus, thou Friend divine,
our Savior and our King,
thy hand from ev'ry snare and foe
shall great deliv'rance bring.
6. Sure as thy truth shall last,
to Zion shall be giv'n
the brightest glories earth can yield,
and brighter bliss of heav'n.
The hymn "Jesus, Where'er Thy People Meet" was written in 1748 by William Cowper (1731–1800), one of the great English hymn writers and poets of the 18th century.
Background
William Cowper, known for his struggles with mental health and deep spiritual convictions, collaborated with John Newton (the author of Amazing Grace) on the Olney Hymns, a famous hymn collection first published in 1779. "Jesus, Where'er Thy People Meet" was one of Cowper's contributions to this collection.
Theme of the Hymn
The hymn focuses on the idea that God is present wherever His people gather in sincere worship, whether in grand cathedrals or humble settings. It reflects the biblical promise in Matthew 18:20:
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
The hymn emphasizes God’s accessibility and the blessing of His presence, highlighting the unity and sanctity of Christian worship.
Cowper’s poetic skill and deep faith shine through in this hymn, which has been cherished for its simple yet profound message of God’s nearness to His people.
No comments:
Post a Comment