I keep a “Prayer and Praise” book of my own making, a collection of hymns, scripture prayers and psalms, specific requests and people for which I pray. I update it from time to time, including adding new items, new scriptures to pray, and new songs and hymns. The focus of the booklet is to guide me each day into worship, praise, contemplation, meditation, scripture, love and surrender to my Savior.
Some of the hymns and songs are perfect as they were written. Some I have slightly reworded to reflect more of a New Covenant perspective. That perspective is lacking in the majority of hymns and “worship songs” in use today. How we can sing what we want to be worship music to Him when it is theologically unsound is beyond me. Clearly, the true New Covenant relationship with our God is rarely understood and more rarely taught.
One song from my little collection that I wind up singing a lot is posted below. This hymn captures so much of the heart of the Gospel of the Kingdom, so much of the reason we were redeemed and brought into union with our God. I awoke this morning with it on my mind again, and thought I would share it with you. If you are not familiar with it, it is in many older hymnals and can be found on several of the hymn-finding websites.
“More Love to Thee”
More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee! Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee. This is my earnest plea: more love, O Christ, to Thee; more love to Thee, more love to Thee!
Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest; now Thee alone I seek, give what is best.
This all my prayer shall be: more love, O Christ to Thee; more love to Thee, more love to Thee!
Let sorrow do its work, come grief or pain; sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me: more love, O Christ, to Thee; more love to Thee, more love to Thee!
Then shall my final breath whisper Thy praise; this be the parting cry my heart shall raise;
Now for eternity, more love O Christ to Thee; more love to Thee, more love to Thee!
This hymn says so much about the Christian life. It is the earnest plea of all who have come to live in surrender, submission, and love toward their God. I pray it is so for all who read this.
“And one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him: “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’” Matthew 23:35-37
“The one who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and the one who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And the one who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. The one who has found his life will lose it, and the one who has lost his life on My account will find it.” Matthew 10:37-39
Image via author, Mistymoon Lake, Cloud Peak wilderness, Bighorn Range, Wyoming.
One Pursuit 
My dear friend, I “sang” while reading this beautiful hymn in the early morning hours. I was praising God! Having Godly friends is so important in our walk. With a full heart and so much gratitude, I must share good news. My “case” has been taken straight to the top (Just under God, tee hee)—the National Cancer Institute. Not only has God answered prayers involving my own sons and their families, HE has presented my case to one of the top surgeons in the country—the most amazing part? IT’S FREE! Just as the PRICE for following Jesus! Yes, it “costs” to lose loved ones on this walk. It can be lonely. But it is so WORTH it. For on HIS path my strength is RENEWED! I will know on Monday afternoon (or Tuesday at the latest) if I’m a surgery candidate—-I’ve always wanted to visit the D.C. area and like your suggestion, I looked up flights to Reagan and they are reasonable. Did I tell you this would be FREE? How can I not praise God? How can I NOT let the joy overflow? Without Jesus I’m nothing. I really enjoyed reading about your book you keep. It has spurred me to write in a new journal I bought. The picture you took is amazing! Please know that Finnster and I are sending prayers daily! May God continue to guide you. Your wisdom, walk, and ways are an inspiration to me and so many other friends and readers! Many blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always refreshing to me when I see someone intentionally directing them selves toward worship. “More Love to Thee” is in my list as well.
Side note: My personal tensions have come from being a music worship leader/musician. As I look back, I have seen the range of whole groups in one accord truly worship as well as groups clamoring for their favorite songs. Our hearts do spill over unto each other and what comes out on Sunday morning is a pouring out of what was put into our hearts during the week. During the week it’s important to be filled…gotta overflow sometime…great post
LikeLike
You are right about overflow. What we invest in will be the output, the overflow of our lives. Sadly, for most who call themselves “Christian” the output, the overflow is not significantly different that those who do not. Our God intends that we be filled to overflowing each day with Himself, His life in us by His Holy Spirit. It is easy to spot those for whom this is true. Simply look for their joy and listen to their speech. Christ Himself is flowing from them.
Love the cabin shots and the grand kid’s joy! What gifts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The cabin is proving to be a blessing to many as well as my wife and I. Originally intended for a quiet place of respite for my wife and I taking turns at caregiving 24/7 with a handicapped daughter, it’s been so much more for others. Sharing multiplies the blessing.
LikeLike