Gathered round Thyself, Lord Jesus

1
Gathered round Thyself, Lord Jesus,
  We now seek Thy face;
May we know Thy presence with us,
    Lord of grace!
2
Love divine first drew us to Thee,
  In our sin and need;
For our sin, in deep compassion,
    Thou didst bleed.
3
Risen Lord, in glory seated,
  We are one with Thee;
Thou hast snapt the chains that bound us,
    We are free.
4
Gratefully we Thee remember
  As we break the bread,
Symbol of Thy body given
    In our stead.
5
Drink we too “the cup of blessing”
  Which Thy love has filled;
Through Thy blood we have redemption
    Fears are stilled.
6
Backward look we, drawn to Calv’ry,
  Musing while we sing;
Forward haste we to Thy coming,
    Lord and King!
1
Steve Miller

Detroit, Michigan, United States

See hymn "As gathered in Thy precious name" #218 for a comment by this hymn author's great granddaughter.