I come to His presence afresh

We surmise that Hebrews was written by the apostle Paul based on the observation that no one else had the vision he did, to be able to compose such a deep and mysterious letter. Similarly, we can surmise who wrote/adapted this hymn based on the author's realization and personal experience of God's economy and heart's desire. Wonderful hymn.

Who is the author of the hymn?

I enjoy the last two lines of stanza 2 that thirsts are sometimes the source of our need. The Lord as the living fountain of life quenches our every thirst. It’s true indeed that our uttermost need each day is to come afresh into His presence to drink of Him. Then we can testify that our thirsting has passed away.

This hymn seems to be based on "In the Garden" by C. Austin Miles, who abandoned his career as a pharmacist at age 24 to serve the Lord full time. He said, "It is as a writer of gospel songs I am proud to be known, for in that way I may be of the most use to my Master, whom I serve willingly although not as efficiently as is my desire."

"In the Garden" is based on Mary Magdalene meeting the Lord on the morning of His resurrection in John 20:1-18.

Miles says, "One day in March, 1912, (20 years after he had given up pharmacy) I was seated in the dark room where I kept my photographic equipment and organ. I drew my Bible toward me; it opened at my favorite chapter, John 20 - whether by chance or inspiration let each reader decide. That meeting of Jesus and Mary had lost none of its power and charm. As I read it that day, I seemed to be part of the scene. I became a silent witness to that dramatic moment in Mary's life when she knelt before her Lord and cried, 'Rabboni! '

My hands were resting on the Bible while I stared at the light blue wall. As light faded, I seemed to be standing at the entrance of the garden, looking down a gently winding path, shaded by olive branches. A woman in white, with head bowed, hand clasping her throat as if to choke back her sobs, walked slowly into the shadows. It was Mary. As she came to the tomb upon which she placed her hand, she bent to look in, and hurried away.

John in flowing robe appeared, looking into the tomb; then came Peter, who entered the tomb, followed slowly by John.

As they departed, Mary reappeared; leaning her head upon her arm at the tomb, she wept. Turning herself, she saw Jesus standing; so did I. I knew it was He. She knelt before Him with arms outstretched and looking into His face cried, 'Rabboni! '

I awakened in full light, gripping the Bible, with muscles tense and nerves vibrating. Under the inspiration of this vision I wrote as quickly as the words could be formed - the poem exactly as it has since appeared. That same evening I composed the music."

------------------

1. I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.
----

Refrain: And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
----

2. He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
----

3. I'd stay in the garden with Him
Tho' the night around me be falling;
But He bids me go; thro' the voice of woe,
His voice to me is calling.
-------------

The tune written by Miles for this hymn is tune #501, used for "O Glorious Christ Savior Mine".

When we allow the Lord Jesus to live in us to be our everything, wah! our life is supplied with His unsearchable riches and our living is full of bliss and satisfaction.

Speak to me and reveal to me all Your riches for me today! And with sweet delight I partake of You, my hunger has passed away!

Very refreshing! Full of life!

This is my 'go to' hymn. My all time favorite. A simple but profound hymn full of love and care and succor between two people (the Lord and the singer) who cherish each other.

It seems this hymn was inspired by the hymn, "I come to the garden alone" by Charles Austin Miles in 1913 which applied Mary Magdalene's experience in John 20:11-18 to us. The tunes are very similar.

Nice one, Tom! I tried singing the way you suggested and indeed it is sweeter!

And in every way I partake of You,
My problems all passed away.
Amen!

This song is sweeter and more romantic toward the Lord if you change third person to second person for the Lord:

I come to Your presence afresh
Ere the night has passed into morning;
And Your face I see as it shines on me-
My Lord within you're dawning.
And You speak to me and reveal to me
All Your riches for me today;
And with sweet delight I partake of You,
My hunger has passed away.

etc...