just the very thought of thee

i sing the praise of him who cried:
“o come now to the saviour's side.”
soldiers scoff with mocking words,
plunging deep their piercing swords.
how pale his face in anguish borne,
with sore abuse his flesh is torn;
from his patient body pierced,
blood and water soon released.

just the very thought of thee
leads me gently to the cross
where your grace is all i see
precious lamb of calvary.

i sing the praise of him who died,
was scourged, and crowned with thorns entwined.
crying out upon the tree:
“why hast thou forsaken me?”
oh love of god, oh sin of man,
this final act my heart demands
that i would every promise know,
where his streams of mercy flow

i sing the praise of him who lives,
and makes my coward spirit brave.
hymns of praise and triumph tell,
he broke age-bound chains of hell.
now is the mighty captive freed!
he lives the sinner's cause to plead.
“my pierced side, oh thomas see;
faithless one, come and believe!”

just the very thought of thee
leads me gently to the cross
where your face is all i see
precious lamb of calvary.

edwin brown