Encouragement (I Samuel 23:15-29)

I will strengthen your hand in the faith of the Lord,
And equip you that you persevere.
Let no enemy fright you with curses or sword,
Though his threatenings be grim and severe.

For the Lord has with you a blood-covenant cut,
There is naught that can sever that pledge.
Therefore since He has promised, know He will rebut,
He will blunt from your foeman his edge.

Though the wicked surround you with best laid of plans,
Yet his schemings will totally fail.
For your Father will rescue you out of his hands,
And the Father alone will prevail.

I adjure you my brothers and sisters -- don't fear!
Let anxiety melt in His hand,
And remember what's coming, when glory appears,
and we sit at the feast of the Lamb.

The Friend that Loves Me (I Samuel 20)

Loved with love that is not selfish,
Love that will preserve my soul.
Love that loves without exception,
Love that makes the broken whole.
Unconditionally offered,
Covenant both made and kept.
Love that's sworn to me forever,
Love that's sealed in blood and sweat.

Loved with love that holds no secrets,
Tells me all I need to know.
Love that never can betray me,
Love cast my accuser low.
Covers all my faults and failures,
My most sinister of sins.
Love that takes the judge's anger,
Love that bears my punishment.

Loved with love that will absolve me,
Love which stands though false-accused.
Love in everything trust-worthy,
Never will that trust abuse.
You still demonstrate affection,
Though I'm an idolatrous son,
You give love instead of curses,
Blessings which You shall see done.

Our Father of Mercy (Hebrews 13:20-21)

To the tune: “The Lambs of the Green Hills”

O our Father of mercy, come and share peace with us,
From our enemy save us and renew in us trust.
With peace from sin and suffering from all tumult and lust,
Build unshaken reliance on You, Lord.

O our Lord of creation, come revive us anew,
Resurrect us from sinning, so we’ll seek after You,
Give us life in Your Spirit, life that’s faithful and true,
Dead to dying, we’ll be more like You, Lord.

O our Father and shepherd, faithful unto Your sheep,
Ever guide us with mercy, when we wander or flee,
For, lo, You’re ever watchful, and You never will sleep,
But will rally us back unto You, Lord.

O our Father by promise and in covenant one,
With your blood you have bought us, and have called us Your sons,
In that blood, then, forever, we can confident come,
And Your sacrifice brings us to You, Lord.

O our Father all-holy, You are sacred and pure,
Now equip us for good works, through all suffering endure.
Help us heed those above us, make us generous and sure,
And bear offspring that listen to You, Lord.

O our Father of mercy, you perform what is right,
You are perfect in goodness, ever pleasing in Your sight,
And Your every performance is accomplished in Christ,
Let our praises be given to You, Lord!