Rejoice, believer, in the Lord

Rejoice, believer, in the Lord

Rejoice, believer, in the Lord
Who makes your cause His own:
The hope that’s built upon His word
Can ne’er be overthrown.

Though many foes beset your road,
And feeble is your arm,
Your life is hid with Christ in God,
Beyond the reach of harm.

Weak as you are you shall not faint,
Or fainting, shall not die;
Jesus, the strength of every saint,
Will aid you from on high.

Though unperceived by mortal sense,
Faith sees Him always near,
A guide, a glory, a defence;
Then what have you to fear?

As surely as He overcame
And triumphed once for you,
So surely you that love His name
Shall in Him triumph too.

John Newton, 1725-1807

Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

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A RECOMMENDED PRAYER BEFORE THE READING OR STUDY OF GOD’S HOLY WORD

O Lord, Thy Word is before me, give me a reverent and teachable mind as I read it. Open to me its sacred truths and help me to receive it not as the word of men but as the Word of God which liveth and abideth for ever.

Be Thou, O Holy Spirit my teacher. Enlighten my mind and prepare my heart. Shine O Lord upon the sacred page and make it clear to me.

What I see not – show me, what I know not teach me and where I am wrong correct me.

Bring home O Lord some portion to my soul just now and make me wiser unto Thy salvation – through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ashton Oxenden

(1808-1892)