Desert Island Hymns

Continuing the family link in pursuing the choice of Desert Island Hymns, our son Reuben Collings has chosen ‘And are we yet alive!” By Charles Wesley. Since John Wesley’s time, the people called Methodists have gathered to confer, to make decisions about the life of the church and to share in worship together. The annual Methodist Conference has always begun with the singing of ‘And are we yet alive?’ – as the Methodist people reflect on the year just gone and look forward to what might happen next.

Reuben at the age of 19 was a youth representative at the Portsmouth Conference in 2010, a memory that I know he cherishes.

This could well be a hymn that as we hopefully emerge from the pandemic, may well be one that as Methodist should sing. There is in these verses a firm reliance on the power of God, to bring us together once again as well as for each of our hearts to attain full salvation, that is, to be so filled with God’s love that we love both God and neighbour as God has loved us in Jesus Christ.

The early Methodists were not strangers to conflict or fear. They faced opposition from outside and internal dissension and were no doubt anxious at times for their continued existence and that of their mission.

Here is a word of encouragement! Whatever our human limitations, whatever the challenges we face, the Lord is faithful. Just as we are assured of eternal life, so God is also our help in this life. God is with us.

And are we yet alive,

And see each other's face?

Glory and praise to Jesus give,

For His redeeming grace.

Preserved by power divine

To full salvation here,

Again in Jesus' praise we join,

And in His sight appear.

What troubles have we seen,

What conflicts have we passed,

Fightings without, and fears within,

Since we assembled last.

But out of all the Lord

Hath brought us by His love;

And still He doth His help afford,

And hides our life above.

Then let us make our boast

Of His redeeming power,

Which saves us to the uttermost,

Till we can sin no more.

Let us take up the cross,

Till we the crown obtain;

And gladly reckon all things loss,

So we may Jesus gain.