Scripture References:
st. 1 = Matt. 14:35-36
st. 2 = Mark 6:55-56
Edward B. Plumptre (b. Bloomsbury, London, England, 1821; d. Wells, Somersetshire, England, 1891) wrote this text in 1864 during his tenure as chaplain at King's College, London. Considered to be one of the finest on the theme of health and healing, the text was first printed as the leaflet A Hymn Used in the Chapel of King's College Hospital. Published the following year in the second edition of Plumptre's Lazarus and Other Poems, "Your Hands, O Lord" also appeared in the 1868 Appendix to Hymns Ancient and Modern. Originally the text's first line read, 'Thine arm, O Lord, in days of old."
Stanzas 1 and 2a recount the healing miracles of Christ. Stanzas 2b and 3 are a prayer for that same healing power of Christ to be present today.
Plumptre was an eminent classical and biblical scholar who gained prominence in both church and university. Educated at King's College, London, and University College, Oxford, he was ordained in the Church of England in 1846. Plumptre served as a preacher at Oxford and a professor of pastoral theology at King's College, and held a number of other prestigious positions. His writings include A Life of Bishop Ken (1888), translations from Greek and Latin classics, and poetry and hymns. Plumptre was also a member of the committee that produced the Revised Version of the Bible.
Liturgical Use:
Latter part of the Epiphany season; Lent; worship services that focus on Christ's miracles of healing; at healing services or prayer services for the sick.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook
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