Tag Archives: hymns

Trying Something New

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I was inspired by Linda G Hill who is involved in so many different things to try my hand at Song Lyric Sunday.

I am coloring outside the lines a bit – firstly today is Monday rather than Sunday and then my lyric is from the 1890’s rather than the 1990s and is full of paradox. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgDRQVsmI08

This hymn was written by the poet  George Matheson (1842-1906). Despite being almost blind by the age of 18, he became one of the outstanding Scottish Presbyterian ministers of his time. Perhaps his use of paradox arose from his life which was a paradox in itself.

The Lyrics are as follows

1. Make me a captive, Lord,
and then I shall be free.
Force me to render up my sword,
and I shall conqueror be.
I sink in life’s alarms
when by myself I stand;
imprison me within thine arms,
and strong shall be my hand.

2. My heart is weak and poor
until it master find;
it has no spring of action sure,
it varies with the wind.
It cannot freely move
till thou hast wrought its chain;
enslave it with thy matchless love,
and deathless it shall reign.

3. My power is faint and low
till I have learned to serve;
it lacks the needed fire to glow,
it lacks the breeze to nerve.
It cannot drive the world
until itself be driven;
its flag can only be unfurled
when thou shalt breathe from heaven.

4. My will is not my own
till thou hast made it thine;
if it would reach a monarch’s throne,
it must its crown resign.
It only stands unbent
amid the clashing strife,
when on thy bosom it has leant,
and found in thee its life.

 

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In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “I Pledge Allegiance.”

I grew up in the era of hymns and I am still moved and inspired by the old words.  One of my favourites and possibly the most challenging is “I Vow to You, my Saviour.”

It was written by Richard T Bewes after “I vow to Thee my Country” by Celcil Spring-Rice to the music from Thaxted (1921) from Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity  from The Planets (Op32) (1914-1916) by Gustav Holt

I am not often in a position where I can pray it honestly and sincerely. My dedication to my Lord fluctuates as I keep trying to take back control of my life which I have surrendered to Him. However, today’s prompt has reminded me where my allegiance must be.

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/waitingfortheword/

I vow to you, my Saviour, all earthly things above,

Entire, and whole and perfect, the service of my love.

The love that asks no questions, the love that stands the test,

That lays upon the alter the dearest and the best.

The love that never falters, the love that knows the price,

The love that stands indebted before your sacrifice………..

….So light the fire withing me, and let me fan the flame

and fill me with the Spirit, that I may bear your Name.

In season and in hardship, to run my given race.

O keep me ever-burning until I see your face.

I vow to you my Saviour, that where your feet have trod,

I’ll serve and always follow my Master and my God.

<a href=”https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/i-pledge-allegiance/”>I Pledge Allegiance</a>