[Hymn] O God of love, be evermore beside me (Tune: Newby End)

In memory of David Jones (1942–2025)

1 . O God of love, be evermore beside me,
Direct my life, that I may do your will.
From my first breath, your hand was there to guide me,
And at my end, your love will hold me still.
I long to learn and to follow in your ways,
That I may love and serve you all my days.

2. Give me the grace to see the best in others,
And give my best in everything I do,
That I may love my sisters and my brothers,
And serving them, to know I’m serving you;
To earn respect from the learned and the wise,
And to be loved in little children’s eyes.

3. Grant me to find the joy in every duty,
To fill my days with laughter and delight.
Teach me to stop and marvel at the beauty
Of everything your word has brought to light;
That I may tell of the wonders that you bring,
And hear your voice in every song I sing.

4. And when at last my work on earth is ended,
Give me the trust to run to your embrace,
The faith to leave all those I have befriended,
The peace to know and see you face to face.
Then grant, O God, when your perfect rest I find,
My life may bless all those I leave behind.