Moravian Book of Worship ‎#515

515. Highly Favored Congregation

1 Highly favored congregation,
loved by Jesus and esteemed,
ne’er forget thy destination,
why from this vain world redeemed.

2 Grounded on your Savior’s merit,
blessed in his communion sweet,
destined heaven to inherit,
and the church above to meet.

3 Witness here to all around you
of your Savior’s dying love;
tell them how he sought and found you,
gave you grace from heav'n above.

4 Evidence by word and action
that your faith is not in vain,
that your highest satisfaction
centers in the Lamb once slain.

5 By love’s closest bonds united,
as the Lord’s own family,
be to serve his name excited,
be to him a fruitful tree.

Text Information

• First Line: Highly favored congregation
• Title: Highly Favored Congregation
• Author: Samuel T. Benade (1789, alt.)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7. Trochaic
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Luke 24:44-49
  ;
  Ephesians 3:14-21
  ;
  1 Peter 2:9-10
• Topic: Nature of the Church; Church--Community in Christ; Church--Foundation and nature; Discipleship

Tune Information

• Name: BATTY
• Composer: John Thommen (1745)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7. Trochaic
• Key: F Major
• Source: Herrnhut (c. 1735); C. Gregor Choralbuch (1784)
• Notes: 16 A in 1891 Offices of Worship and Hymns