African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal ‎#83

83. O Thou, in Whose Presence

1 O Thou, in whose presence my soul takes delight,
On whom in affliction I call,
My comfort by day and my song in the night,
My hope, my salvation, my all!

2 Where dost Thou, dear Shepherd, resort with Thy sheep,
To feed them in pastures of love?
Say, why in the valley of death should I weep,
Or alone in this wilderness rove?

3 O why should I wander, an alien from Thee,
Or cry in the desert for bread?
Thy foes will rejoice when my sorrows they see,
And smile at the tears I have shed.

4 He looks! and ten thousands of angels rejoice,
And myriads wait for His word;
He speaks! and eternity, filled with His voice;
Re-echoes the praise of the Lord.

5 Dear Shepherd, I hear, and will follow Thy call;
I know the sweet sound of Thy voice.
Restore and defend me, for Thou art my all,
And in Thee I will ever rejoice.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: O Thou, in whose presence my soul takes delight
• Title: O Thou, in Whose Presence
• Author: Joseph Swain, 1761-1796
• Meter: 11 8.11.8.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2011
• Scripture:
  Psalm 23
• Topic: God the Father: His Presence; Affliction; God: Guidance; Hope; Salvation

Tune Information

• Name: MEDITATION
• Composer (attributed to): Freeman Lewis, 1780-1859
• Arranger: Hubert P. Main, 1839-1925
• Meter: 11 8.11.8.
• Key: D Major