Thine Forever

1 Jesus, now Thine own forever,
True and steadfast would I be;
And be parted from Thee never,
Walking day by day with Thee.
Thine the life that in me liveth,
All my strength by Thee supplied,
As the vine its vigor giveth
To the branches that abide.

2 Could aught better e'er betide me,
Than with Thee to have my place,
Who dost evermore provide me
Thrice ten thousand gifts of grace?
Could I be more cheerful even
Than when Thou, O Christ, art near,
Unto whom all power is given
Both in heaven above and here?

3 Where is there a Lord so gracious
Who would do as Thou hast done;
Who with His own blood and precious
Me from sin and death hath won?
Should I not be His possession
Who gave up His life for me;
Make to Him a good confession,
And till death all faithful be?

4 Lord, in pleasure as in sorrow
Thy companion would I be;
Now and for my each tomorrow
I surrender all to Thee.
Make me quick when Thou dost beckon,
E'en though 'twere to call me hence;
Who His life as Thine doth reckon,
Waits e'en death in confidence.

5 Through my earthly life be near me,
Be Thou with me when it ends;
When the evening gathers, cheer me;
Bless me when the night descends.
Lay Thy holy hand in blessing
On my weary, drooping head;
Tell me:--Child, all faith possessing,
Thou shalt live though thou wert dead.

6 Stay Thou with me, O Lord Jesus,
When cold death at last comes on
As the chill and piercing breezes
Just before the heavenly dawn.
Light my heart nor suffer sadness
When the darkness dims my sight;
Then shall I go forth with gladness
As one journeys home at night.


Source: Wartburg Hymnal: for church, school and home #252