Author: John Newton Hymnal: Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship #296 (2024) Meter: 8.8.8.8 Scripture: Jonah 4:6-7 First Line: As once for Jonah, so for me Lyrics: 1. As once for Jonah, so for me,
To soothe and cheer my mournful hours,
Prepared for me a leafy tree;
Cool was its shade, and sweet its flow'rs.
2. To prize his gift was surely right,
But through the folly of my heart,
It hid the Giver from my sight,
And soon my joy was changed to smart.
3. While I admired its beauteous form,
Its pleasant shade, and grateful fruit,
The Lord, displeased, sent forth a worm,
Unseen, to prey upon the root.
4. Though trembling when I saw it fade,
Restrained my tongue from bursting free;
My folly I confessed, and prayed,
Forgive my sin and spare my tree.
5. His wondrous love can ne’er be told;
He heard me and relieved my pain,
Yet no more did those leaves unfold,
Nor did the tree revive again.
6. Now, Lord, the tree is mine no more,
’Tis thine, who only could it raise;
The idol of my heart no more,
Henceforth shall give way to thy praise. Topics: Ordinary Time Week 20 Languages: English Tune Title: BOURBON
Jonah's Lament