1 VOUCHSAFE to keep me, Lord, this day
Without committing sin,
And with me let thy Spirit stay,
And ever dwell within.
2 Thou canst from every sin secure;
And is it not thy will
Still to preserve thy servant pure
From every touch of ill?
3 Thou canst, thou wilt for one short day
Preserve me spotless here,
And why not then (let Satan say)
A week, a month, a year?
4 Why wilt thou not for all my life
My helpless soul defend,
And bear me through the doubtful strife,
And keep me to the end!
5 Behold, with humble faith I bow
My soul before thy throne;
Deliver me from evil now,
For thou canst save thine own.
6 My soul on thee, O Lord, relies,
Thine arms are my defence,
My soul hell, earth, and sin defies
To come and pluck me thence.
Vouchsafe To Keep Me, Lord, This Day Video
Vouchsafe To Keep Me, Lord, This Day Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Vouchsafe To Keep Me, Lord, This Day by Charles Wesley is a beautiful hymn that focuses on the plea for God's protection and guidance throughout the day.
I. Introduction to the Song
The hymn begins with a humble request to the Lord to keep the singer from committing sin throughout the day. It acknowledges the need for the Holy Spirit to dwell within and guide them. The use of the word "vouchsafe" implies a sense of earnest pleading and dependence on God's grace.
II. The Assurance of God's Protection
The hymn expresses the belief that God is able to keep the singer from sinning. It acknowledges God's power and willingness to preserve his servant pure. The songwriter questions why God would not protect them for longer periods, such as a week, a month, or a year. This reflects a desire for continuous protection and a deeper reliance on God's faithfulness.
III. The Need for God's Preservation
The hymn emphasizes the importance of God's preservation in the believer's life. It acknowledges that the soul is helpless without God's intervention and that only He can bear them through the trials and challenges of life. The songwriter implores the Lord to deliver them from evil, recognizing that God has the power to save His own.
IV. Trusting in God's Arms
In this section, the hymn highlights the believer's trust in God's arms as their defense. The soul relies on God's protection, defying the influences of hell, earth, and sin. It reflects a deep faith and surrender to God's care, acknowledging that there is no greater refuge than in His arms.
Now, let's explore the meaning of the song and its possible inspiration or story behind its composition.
Meaning and Inspiration:
Vouchsafe To Keep Me, Lord, This Day reflects the deep desire of the believer to live a life free from sin and to be guided by God's Spirit. It is a prayer for protection and preservation, acknowledging the believer's dependence on God's grace and power. The hymn seeks to establish a sense of trust in God's ability to keep His children from falling into temptation and to deliver them from evil.
The inspiration behind this hymn could be drawn from various sources, including personal experiences, biblical teachings, or reflections on the struggles of human nature. Charles Wesley, along with his brother John Wesley, played a significant role in the Methodist movement and emphasized the importance of holiness and sanctification. This hymn reflects their teachings and the desire to live a life pleasing to God.
Now, let's delve into the critical analysis of the song's biblical foundation, arguing with relevant biblical references.
Critical Analysis:
Vouchsafe To Keep Me, Lord, This Day aligns with several biblical principles and teachings. The song emphasizes the need for God's protection and guidance in the believer's life, which is supported by numerous biblical passages.
1. The Power of God's Preservation:
The hymn acknowledges God's ability to preserve His children from sin and temptation. This idea is found in various biblical verses, such as Jude 1:24, which states, "Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy." The hymn echoes this biblical truth, expressing the believer's trust in God's power to keep them from falling.
2. Dependence on the Holy Spirit:
The hymn recognizes the need for the Holy Spirit to dwell within and guide the believer. This aligns with Jesus' promise in John 14:26, where He says, "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." The songwriter's plea for the Spirit's presence reflects the biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in guiding and sanctifying believers.
3. Deliverance from Evil:
The hymn acknowledges God's ability to deliver His children from evil. This aligns with the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:13, where Jesus teaches us to pray, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." The songwriter's plea for deliverance reflects the biblical understanding of God's power to rescue His people from the snares of the enemy.
Overall, Vouchsafe To Keep Me, Lord, This Day by Charles Wesley is a biblical and heartfelt prayer for God's protection and guidance. It aligns with various biblical principles and teachings, emphasizing the believer's dependence on God's grace and power. The hymn serves as a reminder of the need for continuous reliance on God and the assurance of His faithful preservation in the lives of His children.
