21: ABBA, Father, we approach Thee

21: ABBA, Father, we approach Thee

by James George Deck (1802-1884)

1 ABBA, Father, we approach Thee
In our Saviour'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;
Thou the prodigals hast pardoned,
Kissed us with a Father's love;
Killed the fatted calf, and called us
E'er to dwell with Thee above.

3 Clothed in garments of salvation,
At Thy table is our place;
We rejoice, and Thou rejoicest,
In the riches of Thy grace.
"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."

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!