Hymns of Hope and Comfort: Jesus, Lover of My Soul

During this time of fear and uncertainty in the COVID-19 wilderness, I’ve decided to do something a little different. I’m going to be using this blog to share texts and videos of hymns that pass along hope and comfort.

Take care, everyone. Wash your hands. And keep the faith.

Today’s hymn is a beloved Charles Wesley text, one of his most popular and ubiquitous. It’s sung to ABERYSTWYTH (a fabulous hymn tune, by the way) by the Trinity College Choir of the University of Melbourne, and to MARTYN in seven hundred and eighty-seven part harmony by some Mennonite folks. If you know of a good congregational recording of this one online with organ and strong singing, please let me know.

Jesus, lover of my soul,
let me to thy bosom fly,
while the nearer waters roll,
while the tempest still is high:
hide me, O my Savior, hide,
till the storm of life is past;
safe into the haven guide,
O receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none,
hangs my helpless soul on thee;
leave, ah, leave me not alone,
still support and comfort me.
All my trust on thee is stayed,
all my help from thee I bring;
cover my defenseless head
with the shadow of thy wing.

Thou, O Christ, art all I want;
more than all in thee I find;
raise the fallen, cheer the faint,
heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is thy name,
I am all unrighteousness;
false and full of sin I am,
thou art full of truth and grace.

Plenteous grace with thee is found,
grace to cover all my sin;
let the healing streams abound,
make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art:
freely let me take of thee,
spring thou up within my heart,
rise to all eternity.

-Charles Wesley, 1740

Photo:
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