Graham Kendrick - Jesus Stand Among Us Lyrics
Released: 16 May 2010
Lyrics
Jesus stand among us
At the meeting of our lives;
Be our sweet agreement
At the meeting of our eyes.
O Jesus, we love You, so we gather here;
Join our hearts in unity and take away our fear.
So to You we're gathering
Out of each and every land;
Christ the love between us
At the joining of our hands.
O Jesus, we love You, so we gather here;
Join our hearts in unity and take away our fear.
(Optional verse for Communion:)
Jesus, stand among us
At the breaking of the bread;
Join us as one body
As we worship You, our Head.
O Jesus, we love You, so we gather here;
Join our hearts in unity and take away our fear.
Video
Jesus Stand Among Us & Here Is Bread - Graham Kendrick Lyric Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Graham Kendrick's "Jesus Stand Among Us," released on May 16, 2010, as part of "The Very Best of Graham Kendrick: Knowing You Jesus" album, stands as a foundational piece within contemporary worship, reflecting a timeless yearning for divine presence and unity. This composition captures the very essence of corporate worship, articulating a communal prayer for Christ to be centrally involved in every aspect of believers' shared life. The song's enduring appeal lies in its direct, yet profound, expression of fundamental Christian truths, emphasizing that true gathering is not merely a human assembly but a Spirit-led encounter with the risen Lord.
The core message of "Jesus Stand Among Us" immediately establishes an invocation for Christ’s active participation in the lives of those gathered. The opening lines, praying for Jesus to "stand among us at the meeting of our lives" and "be our sweet agreement at the meeting of our eyes," vividly portray a desire for supernatural accord and understanding. This echoes Christ's promise in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them," underscoring the belief that His presence transforms mere human interaction into sacred fellowship. It speaks to a deep need for unity that transcends personal differences, a harmony only possible when Christ Himself is the common ground, aligning not just words but the very perspectives and intentions of those present, as implored by Paul in Philippians 2:2 to "be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose."
The chorus, "O Jesus, we love You, so we gather here; Join our hearts in unity and take away our fear," serves as the song’s emotional anchor and theological declaration. It clarifies the motivation behind the assembly: not obligation, but an overflow of love for Christ. This love is the catalyst for genuine unity, a oneness of heart that mirrors Jesus' prayer for His disciples in John 17:21, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you." Furthermore, the plea to "take away our fear" recognizes the anxieties and divisions that can plague individuals and communities. This directly references 1 John 4:18, which states that "perfect love drives out fear," positioning Christ's presence and the unifying love He inspires as the ultimate antidote to apprehension and discord, fostering an atmosphere of trust and spiritual security.
As the song progresses, it expands its scope to encompass the global body of Christ. The lines, "So to You we're gathering out of each and every land; Christ the love between us at the joining of our hands," paint a powerful picture of universal fellowship. This imagery resonates with the vision of Revelation 7:9, where a great multitude from "every nation, tribe, people and language" stands before the throne. It asserts that despite geographical or cultural distinctions, believers are united by Christ Himself, who serves as the inherent bond of love. This "love between us" fulfills Jesus' commandment in John 13:34-35: "A new command I give you: Love one another... By this everyone will know that you are my disciples." The "joining of our hands" symbolizes tangible solidarity, partnership in the Gospel, and the practical outworking of Christ’s love in communal life, transcending all earthly barriers to create a singular, diverse body.
The optional verse for Communion further enriches the song's theological depth, focusing on the sacrament as a profound expression of Christ’s presence and the church's corporate identity: "Jesus, stand among us at the breaking of the bread; Join us as one body as we worship You, our Head." This verse explicitly connects the song’s theme of divine presence with the Eucharist, transforming the sacred meal into a powerful moment of spiritual unity. The "breaking of the bread" is a direct reference to 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, where Paul describes communion as a participation in the body and blood of Christ, unifying many into "one bread, one body." By addressing Jesus as "our Head," the song affirms His supreme authority and leadership over the church, reinforcing the imagery of 1 Corinthians 12:27 that "you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." This communion verse deepens the song’s relevance for congregational worship, offering a specific, tangible way in which believers experience Christ’s presence and unity.
In sum, "Jesus Stand Among Us" is a masterclass in theological simplicity and profound spiritual yearning. Graham Kendrick skillfully crafts a song that is both an earnest prayer and a declarative statement of faith. It serves as an enduring anthem for the church, reminding believers that the essence of their gathering, their unity, and their ability to overcome fear flows directly from the active, loving presence of Jesus Christ among them. Through its thoughtful articulation and consistent scriptural resonance, the song continues to inspire and unite individuals in their collective journey of faith, encouraging a deeper reliance on Christ as the foundation of all true fellowship and worship.