1 FATHER, glorify thy Son;
Answering his all-powerful prayer,
Send that Intercessor down,
Send that other Comforter,
Whom believingly we claim,
Whom we ask in Jesu's name.
2 Then by faith we know and feel
Him, the Spirit of truth and grace;
With us he vouchsafes to dwell,
With us while unseen he stays:
All our help and good, we own,
Freely flows from him alone.
3 Wilt thou not the promise seal,
Good and faithful as thou art,
Send the Comforter to dwell
Every moment in our heart?
Yes, thou must the grace bestow;
Christ hath said it shall be so.
Father, Glorify Thy Son Video
Father, Glorify Thy Son Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Father, Glorify Thy Son is a hymn written by the prolific hymn writer, Charles Wesley. This beautiful hymn is a heartfelt prayer and plea to God the Father, asking Him to send the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, to dwell within believers.
I. The Meaning of Father, Glorify Thy Son:
The lyrics of this hymn convey a deep sense of dependence on God the Father and the recognition of the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. It is a prayer for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who is referred to as the Comforter, and the source of all help and goodness.
The phrase "Father, glorify thy Son" is a reference to Jesus Christ's prayer to the Father in John 17:1, where Jesus asks the Father to glorify Him so that He may glorify the Father. This hymn echoes that prayer, emphasizing the desire for the Son to be glorified through the sending of the Holy Spirit.
The plea for the Comforter to be sent is based on the promise of Jesus in John 14:16-17, where He assures His disciples that He will ask the Father to send another Comforter who will be with them forever. The hymn captures the anticipation and longing for the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.
II. The Inspiration Behind Father, Glorify Thy Son:
Charles Wesley, along with his brother John Wesley, played a significant role in the Methodist movement and the revival of the 18th-century Church. Charles Wesley composed numerous hymns that expressed deep theological truths in a poetic and accessible manner. Father, Glorify Thy Son is one such hymn.
Wesley's inspiration for this hymn likely came from his personal experience and understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit. As a devout Christian, Wesley believed in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. He would have been familiar with the teachings of Jesus about the Holy Spirit and the promise of His indwelling presence.
III. Bible Verses Related to Father, Glorify Thy Son:
1. John 17:1-5 - "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you. Since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed."
2. John 14:16-17 - "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."
3. John 14:26 - "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
4. Romans 8:26 - "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."
IV. Analysis of the Lyrics and Tags:
1. "Father, glorify thy Son" - The keyword "glorify thy Son" expresses the desire for Jesus to be honored and exalted.
2. "Intercessor" - This keyword emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as the one who intercedes for believers.
3. "Comforter" - The keyword "Comforter" highlights the Holy Spirit's role as the source of comfort, guidance, and help.
4. "Spirit of truth and grace" - The phrase "Spirit of truth and grace" signifies the Holy Spirit's attributes and the truth He reveals to believers.
5. "Faith" and "believingly" - These keywords denote the importance of faith in receiving the Holy Spirit.
6. "Help and good" - These keywords highlight the Holy Spirit's role as the provider of help and goodness in the lives of believers.
7. "Promise" - The keyword "promise" refers to the assurance of the Holy Spirit's coming given by Jesus.
Conclusion:
Father, Glorify Thy Son is a powerful hymn that captures the longing for the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. It is a prayer for the Son to be glorified through the sending of the Comforter. This hymn reminds us of the promise Jesus made to His disciples and the significance of the Holy Spirit's work in the life of a believer.
As we sing this hymn, let us echo the heartfelt plea of Charles Wesley, desiring the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance in our lives. May we recognize the role of the Holy Spirit as our Comforter, intercessor, and source of truth and grace. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, may we experience the transformative work of God in our hearts and lives.
References:
- The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV)
- Hymnary.org
