Arise, My Soul, Arise

What do I write on a week that was personally busy and fulfilled, but contained so much pain for our nation? 

I have no words. Only cries. 

For understanding. 

For forgiveness. 

For restoration.

Then I remember Jesus, our Intercessor, who stands before the throne, pleading with His blood for our forgiveness.

I was in my early twenties when I first heard this song, and I'll never forget the joy-filled message of these words. 

I have no answers for the crisis in our nation except to turn to the Lord and plead His forgiveness for all the human race and the many ways we have walked our own roads instead of His way of love.

Arise, My Soul, Arise

by Charles Wesley

Hymns of the Church #296

Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;

A bleeding Sacrifice in my behalf appears;

Before the throne my Surety stands,

Before the throne my Surety stands,

My name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above, for me to intercede;

His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:

His blood atoned for all our race,

His blood atoned for all our race,

And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary;

They pour effectual prayers; they strongly speak for me:

"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry,

"Forgive him, O forgive," they cry,

"Nor let that ransomed sinner die!"

My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;

He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:

With confidence I now draw nigh,

With confidence I now draw nigh,

And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry.