THE POET'S QUARRY: July 2023

Monday, July 31, 2023

When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip wrenched as he wrestled with the man.

Then the man said, "Let me go for it is daybreak."

But Jacob replied, "I'll not let you go unless you bless me."

The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob" he answered.

Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome."

Jacob said, "Please tell me your name." But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there.

So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying

It is because I saw GOD face to face

and yet my life was spared.

The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel and he was limping because of his hip.

⚜️⚜️⚜️

I love Your church, O God,

on earth Your blest abode,

the people our Redeemer saved

with His own precious blood.

I love Your church, O God,

whose walls before You stand,

dear as the apple of Your eye,

and graven on Your hand.

In love my tears shall fall,

in love my prayers ascend,

to serve Your church

my toils be given,

till toils and cares shall end.

Beyond my highest joys,

I prize your people's ways,

the sweet Communion,

solemn Vows,

the Hymns of Love & Praise.

Sure as Your Truth shall last,

to Zion shall be given

the brightest glories earth can yield

and brighter bliss of heaven.

Words, Timothy Dwight (1801)
Music, Aaron Williams (1770)

Who is this coming up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved? I awakened you by the apple tree...