Jesu, Ever Present

Jesu, ever present with Thy Church below,

In the day of gladness in the night of woe,
From Thy holy altar life divine bestow.

There we kneel before Thee, pleading face to face;
There with awe adore Thee, thirsting for Thy grace;
That our hearts, O Saviour, may Thyself embrace.

We are frail and sinful, and no love can claim;
But withhold not from us, by Thy sacred Name,
Light to keep our footsteps from the paths of shame;

Strength to fight the battle with the powers of death;
Truth to hold us steadfast in Thy holy Faith;
Comfort to sustain us to our latest breath.

Jesu, ever present with Thy Church below,
Hear us in our sadness, hear us in our woe:
Faint our souls and hungry; Bread of Life bestow!

Words: George Hunt Smyttan, 1864.
Tune (Church Hymns): “Englefield” J.W. Elliott.
Meter: 6.5.6.5.6.5