28. Jesus, Blessed Friend and Savior

1. Jesus, blessed Friend and Savior,
Sun of righteousness so bright,
Dwelling mid Thy people ever,
Who would serve Thee here aright:
Come Thou, we are here united,
By Thy Spirit’s flame we’re lighted!
Shed Thy life and light divine
Over all this house of Thine.

2. Come, Thy members to enliven;
Thou, the Church’s Head, appear;
Purge from us all things not given
To our blessing and Thy fear!
Come, O Lord, again revealing
God’s own heart of grace and healing,
- And remind us all anew,
“I am in the midst of you!”

3. May our hearts to Thee be turning,
Brightness of eternity!
Fill us all with fervent yearning
For the grace that comes by Thee;
Let Thy life and light be flowing,
O us all Thy love bestowing,
Perfect us in steadfastness
In the covenant of Grace!

4. May our teacher ever nearer
Draw to Thee, O Savior dear,
And may every faithful hearer
Truly know that Thou art here;
With Thy Word each heart invading,
Gently, lovingly persuading
That in heaven there can be
Only that which comes from Thee!

5. Come, Lord, every heart possessing
As Thy constant dwelling place;
Let not one escape the blessing
Of the children of Thy grace.
Let us all, as here we gather,
Share Thy benefits, O Father;
And by love’s strong impetus
O reveal Thyself in us.

6. That which unto us is given
From Thee, Lord, is life and light;
May what we now taste of heaven
Make our souls pure in Thy sight.
Come, Lord Jesus, with Thy blessing,
So that we, one Lord confessing,
Bound in service and in love,
True to Thee may ever prove!