Friday is for Poetry
By Aaron Menikoff September 8, 2006
The following poem by John Cennick (1718-55) is a hymn and a prayer. Cennick preached the gospel so fervently that other pastors would complain, when Cennick was in town, that their churches were empty. The Anglican Bishop Rider responded to these critics:”Preach Christ crucified and then the people will not have to go to Cennick to hear the Gospel.” These are great words to think about as you enter the weekend:
Be with me, Lord, where’er I go;
Teach me what Thou wouldst have me do;
Sugest what’er I think or say;
Direct me in the narrow way.
Work in me, lest I harbour pride.
Lest I in my own strength confide;
Show me my weakness, let me see
I have my power, my all, from Thee.
Assist and teach me how to pray;
Incline my nature to obey;
What Thou abhorrest let me flee,
And only love what pleases Thee.
