Scripture Verse

I am continually with Thee: Thou hast held me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:23–24

Introduction

Words: From The Psal­ter (Pitts­burgh, Penn­syl­van­ia: Unit­ed Pres­by­te­ri­an Board of Pub­li­ca­tion, 1912), num­ber 203.

Music: Pray­er (But­cher) Will­iam U. But­cher, 1860 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Butch­er (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

In sweet communion, Lord, with Thee
I constantly abide;
My hand Thou holdest in Thy own
To keep me near Thy side.

Thy counsel through my earthly way
Shall guide me and control,
And then to glo­ry afterward
Thou wilt receive my soul.

Whom have I, Lord, in Hea­ven but Thee,
To whom my thoughts aspire?
And, having Thee, on earth is naught
That I can yet desire.

Though flesh and heart should faint and fail,
The Lord will ever be
The strength and portion of my heart,
My God eternally.

To live apart from God is death,
’Tis good His face to seek;
My refuge is the living God,
His praise I long to speak.