Hymn 194 - Abide with Us, the Day is Waning

The fifth weekend after Easter is known as "Rogate Sunday." Rogate is the Latin word for "prayer." There is a connection between prayer and the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Jesus tells us to pray to the Father "in His name" and other passages of Scripture speak of praying "in the name of Jesus." But what value is prayer "in the name of Jesus" if He is dead? Prayer is only valuable if Jesus is living, interceding on our behalf before the Throne of God. So there is a rich connection between prayer and the celebration of Jesus' resurrection from the dead.

This weekend we will be singing a meaningful hymn of Norwegian heritage written by Caspar Boye and based on the resurrection appearance of Jesus to the two men who were walking to the town of Emmaus on the day of Christ's resurrection. The theme of the hymn is taken from their request (prayer) of Jesus: "Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent." (Luke 24:29)

This hymn highlights the power and value of prayer throughout. We ask: "Incline Thine ear, Thou King of Grace" (v.1). We acknowledge "In prayer devout, before Thee bending" (v.2). We recall "When Thou didst pray: 'Thy will be done'" (v.3). And we pray: "Abide with us" (v.3,4). 

As we have before we focus on the topic of death. Paul declares: "The last enemy that will be destroyed is death." (1 Corinthians 15:26) He then continues: "So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:54) Thanks be to God!

Savior, strengthen us through the burdens of this sinful world with the confidence in Your victory and in the knowledge that because You live, our prayers in Your name are powerful and effective! Help us to make better use of this precious gift and privilege!

Join us this weekend as we rejoice in these rich blessings of God's grace in Christ!