Here’s a contemporary hymn based on the Emmaus Road encounter (Mark 16:12-13, Luke 24:13-35). It was written by Christopher Idle, and posted on The Jubilate Group website. If your church has a CCLI license, this hymn is free for you to use. For tune suggestions, see below.
O Lord, whose love designed this day
(based on Mark 16: 12-13; Luke 24: 13-35)
O Lord whose love designed this day,
you walked with us along the road;
so as the daylight fades away
stay with us when we rest our load.
Our stumbling steps were known to you
before we recognised your face;
you loved us long before we knew
your covenant of saving grace.
You spoke your word of truth to us,
bringing us gladness when we grieved;
we found forgiveness at your cross,
and yet how slowly we believed!
But now we see your wounded hands;
you share with us the broken bread:
these are your pledges, your commands,
our living Lord, who once was dead!
So through the darkness, be our light,
O Lord whose love designed this day;
we praise and bless your name tonight
for love that never fades away.
— Copyright © Christopher Idle/Jubilate Hymns Ltd. Posted on The Jubilate Group website. Be sure to visit there for many other excellent worship resources (spoken and sung).
Tune suggestions:
CANONBURY (“Lord speak to me that I may speak”)
O WALY, WALY (“Though I may speak with bravest fire”)
MARYTON (“O Master, let me walk with thee”)
If your congregation doesn’t know many traditional hymn tunes, you might try singing the text to one of these contemporary tunes:
“O Lamb of God” (Twila Paris) – first half only
“The Risen Christ” (Phil Madeira/Keith Getty)
“When trials come” (Keith & Kristyn Getty)
If you use this song text in worship, be sure to report it on your CCLI license.
For more worship resources for Easter, click on Easter in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
