21. "Abba, Father," We Approach Thee

8,7.
by J.G. Deck
1
"Abba, Father," we approach Thee
 
In our Savior’s precious name;
 
We, Thy children, here assembling,
 
Now the promised blessing claim.
 
From our guilt His blood has washed us,
 
’Tis through Him our souls draw nigh;
 
And Thy Spirit too has taught us
 
"Abba, Father," thus to cry.
2
Once as prodigals we wandered
 
In our folly far from Thee;
 
But Thy grace, o’er sin abounding,
 
Rescued us from misery:
 
Clothed in garments of salvation,
 
At Thy table is our place;
 
We rejoice, and Thou rejoicest,
 
In the riches of Thy grace.
“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:5)
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10)
“For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15:24)
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)
3
Thou the prodigal hast pardoned,
 
"Kissed us" with a Father’s love;
 
"Killed the fatted calf," and called us
 
E’er to dwell with Thee above.
 
"It is meet," we hear Thee saying,
 
"We should merry be and glad;
 
I have found My once-lost children,
 
Now they live who once were dead."
“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” (Luke 15:20-24)
4
"Abba, Father!" we adore Thee,
 
While the hosts in heaven above
 
E’en in us now learn the wonders
 
Of Thy wisdom, grace and love.
 
Soon before Thy throne assembled,
 
All Thy children shall proclaim
 
Abba’s love as shown in Jesus,
 
And how full is Abba’s name!
“To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.” (Ephesians 3:10)
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Little Flock Hymnbook Index