“Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life,” ELW 816 and LBW 513
1 Come, my way, my truth, my life:
such a way as gives us breath;
such a truth as ends all strife;
such a life as killeth death.
2 Come, my light, my feast, my strength:
such a light as shows a feast;
such a feast as mends in length;
such a strength as makes his guest.
3 Come, my joy, my love, my heart:
such a joy as none can move;
such a love as none can part;
such a heart as joys in love.
Devotion
Our spiritual poet had ambitions for government service, and though a favorite of England’s James I, took holy orders for the church instead. He sought to serve a holy crown rather than a political crown. “Holy Herbert,” as he was called by Izaak Walton, author of The Compleat Angler, noted that he “seemed to be marked out for piety and to become the care of heaven.” The lyrics penned in these stanzas most certainly attest to the direction and the “Way” that he followed in his life of 39 years.
In this hymn, Rev. Herbert eloquently connects the pleas of his heart with the very delight of his soul. May we savor his poetry by slowly praying these words and connecting our spirit with the very Spirit that inspired our pious poet.
Prayer
Lord of life, in all our needs you meet us. May we have the true desires of our hearts filled and may we always offer you thanks. Amen.