161. Grateful Are Thy Members Ever

1. Grateful are Thy members ever,
Son of Man, so sorely tried,
That Thou camest to earth as Savior
And for us wast crucified.
For us all Thou borest anguish,
All our sin and all our woe;
For us, who on earth did languish,
Into bitter death didst go.

2. Rule Thou Thy disciples, Savior,
With Thy grace forevermore;
On our pilgrim pathways ever
Blessings wonderful outpour!
By Thy Spirit’s gentle power
New begin Thy life in us,
That we bravely walk each hour
On the pathway of the cross!

3. When the needs of life are pressing
Make us rich and free in Thee;
In our hearts Thyself expressing,
Say: “My peace shall with you be!”
If temptations would assail us,
Be The cross to us revealed;
If in battle courage fail us,
Victor, be Thou Strength and Shield!”

4. Lord, for us the roots uncover
Of disguised or gilded sin;
May we then Thy cross discover
Where our victory Thou didst win.
Help us to be faithful ever;
Hold us fast, for we are Thine,
Till at last we shall forever
Share Thy peace and joy divine!

5. O Thy praises we’ll be singing,
Gentle Shepherd, whom we love,
When Thy flock Thou wilt be bringing
To Thy city there above.
Come Thou soon, O Lord, to call us,
To bring praise before Thy throne;
O what joys shall then befall us,
Glory-crowned, God’s only Son!