Preparation for the Lord's Day

Here is our hymn of the month “And Can It Be?” The history of this hymn was that Charles Wesley wrote it to celebrate his conversion. He wrote in his journal, "At midnight I gave myself to Christ, assured that I was safe, whether sleeping or waking. I had the continual experience of His power to overcome all temptation, and I confessed with joy and surprise that He was able to do exceedingly abundantly for me above what I can ask or think." He wrote this hymn a year later. It is filled with graphic imagery via “The Pilgrim’s Progress”. When you read it think of your own conversion as you read it. If you have young kids, read a line and ask them to pick out a word or phrase and unpack it with them telling it what it means and why the author said it. Get ready for tantalizing conversation.

And can it be that I should gain


An interest in the Savior’s blood?


Died He for me, who caused His pain?


For me, who Him to death pursued?


Amazing love! How can it be


That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Amazing love! How can it be
That

Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

He left His Father’s throne above


(So free, so infinite His grace!),


Emptied Himself of all but love,


And bled for Adam’s helpless race:


’Tis mercy all, immense and free,


For O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,


Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;


Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—


I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;


My chains fell off, my heart was free,


I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

Still the small inward voice I hear,

That whispers all my sins forgiven;

Still the atoning blood is near,

That quenched the wrath of hostile heaven.

I feel the life His wounds impart;

I feel the Savior in my heart.

No condemnation now I dread;


Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!


Alive in Him, my living Head,


And clothed in righteousness divine,


Bold I approach th’eternal throne,


And claim the crown, through Christ my own.