Abba, Father, we approach Thee

It is good for a brother to choose Hymns, #45, but we should avoid singing two hymns of a similar nature in succession. It would be too much for us to sing Hymns, #45 after singing Hymns, #43. After the singing, either a brother or a sister can offer a prayer, saying, "Our God, because You have chosen us before the creation of the world, now in Your love we have come back to Your house." This is another turn, from the praise of the Father's love to the praise of the Father's choosing. After the praises, we can call Hymns, #33, "Father, long before creation, / Thou hadst chosen us in love; / And that love, so deep, so moving, / Draws us close to Christ above, / And will keep us, and will keep us, / Firmly fixed in Christ alone..." This is truly good and can be compared to singing hymns of ascent, going up higher and higher, step by step, waiting for the bread and the cup to be put back on the table. Then at the end of the hymn, that is, at the climax of the worship of the Father, a brother should lead everyone to stand up and conclude the meeting with a prayer.

If we have seen the Lord's redemptive love, when we turn to worship the Father, the feeling of such worship should be based upon the Father's sending His beloved Son to redeem us. Thus, we should select a second hymn. If we select Hymns, #52, however, it may be too quick. We can also turn from the feeling of the Lord's coming to seek us to the praise of the Father's love, matching this with prayers that praise the Father's love and then proceed forward. Even though Hymns, #299, "A mind at perfect peace with God," is not a hymn on the worship of the Father, it can be used. After singing this hymn, it would be good if someone were to stand up and pray, "O Father, thank You for sending the Lord Jesus to seek us. In Your love we were sought and brought back. Now before You in Your house, we enjoy the love You prepared for us in eternity." After such a prayer, we can call Hymns, #43, "'Abba, Father,' we adore Thee, / While the hosts in heaven above / E'en in us now learn the wonders / Of Thy wisdom, grace, and love. / Soon before Thy throne assembled, / All Thy children shall proclaim / Abba's love shown in redemption, / And how full is Abba's name!" Singing this hymn can be compared to putting on a vest in fall; we feel just right, neither cold nor hot.