Voices Together ‎#600

600. O Thou, in Whose Presence

1 O thou, in whose presence my soul takes delight,
on whom in affliction I call,
my comfort by day, and my song in the night,
my hope, my salvation, my all:
Where dost thou, dear Shepherd, resort with thy sheep
to feed in the pastures of love?
Say, why in the valley of death should I weep
or lone in the wilderness rove?

2 Oh, why should I wander an alien from thee
or cry in the desert for bread?
Thy foes will rejoice when my sorrows they see
and smile at the tears I have shed.
Yet speak, and ten thousands of angels rejoice;
thy soul-cheering wisdom impart.
Eternity echoes the sound of thy voice
that reaches my desolate heart.

Text Information

• First Line: O thou, in whose presence my soul takes delight
• Title: O Thou, in Whose Presence
• Author: Joseph Swain
• Meter: 11.8.11.8 D
• Publication Date: 2020
• Scripture:
  Psalm 23
  ;
  John 10:1-18
• Topic: Comfort; Death and Eternal Life; Funeral / Memorial Service; God: Presence of; Joy; Praying: For Healing; Suffering
• Source: Sacred Poetry: Comprising an Entire System of Divine Truth, 1790, alt.

Tune Information

• Name: ZION’S PILGRIM
• Harmonizer: J. Harold Moyer (1965)
• Meter: 11.8.11.8 D
• Key: a minor
• Source: Christian Lyre, 1831; harm. J. Harold Moyer (USA), 1965, The Mennonite Hymnal
• Copyright: harm. © 1969 Faith & Life Press/Mennonite Publishing House