This week we learned about a hymn writer new by name to us, Ray Palmer; and also looked at one familiar to us, (and probably you, but perhaps not by name,) Samuel Francis Smith.
Samuel Francis Smith wrote "My Country ‘Tis of This" which is far more a song of patriotism than worship of God. But Ray Palmer, as the book we are reading states, "represents the last major American hymn writer who wrote his hymns from a Calvinistic understanding of God’s Word," (meaning emphasizing the Sovereignty of God, and in all glory to Him.)
Although I knew this hymn before, I was totally unfamiliar with its author. The words of My Faith Looks Up to Thee express my soul:
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day be wholly Thine!May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee,
Pure warm, and changeless be, a living fire!While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread, be Thou my Guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray from Thee aside.When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold sullen stream over me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!
Listen to and read more about this hymn here.
SDG,
Lisa
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