1 Let evening twilight turn to dawn,
For all who love Thee, Saviour dear,
Like twain of old, to whom, we read,—
“Jesus Himself drew near.”
2 Yet we remember how ‘tis write,
That while He sought their doubt to clear,
Their eyes were held, and told them not,
Jesus Himself drew near.
3 With burning hearts they heard His words,
Unfolding how each ancient see
Said, “Christ must suffer.” So in Light,
Jesus Himself drew near.
4 Drew near, was near, yet still seemed far,
While sitting down their meal to cheer!
Then closer still, in vanished Form,
Jesus Himself drew near.
5 Not now a figure by their side,
But in their hearts, Indweller dear!
His present Spirit bade them say,
Jesus Himself is here.
6 So dwell in us by faith, dear Lord!
In us by grace Thy throne uprear,
Then of our darkest hours we’ll say,
Jesus Himself drew near.
7 Be near us, Lord, till sense no more
Divides from Him our souls revere:
Be with us, Lord, till thro’ the tomb,
To Jesus we draw near.
Source: The Praise Book: for Young People's Societies, Church Prayer Meetings and Sunday Schools #133