“Keep us, Lord, O keep us cleaving to thyself and still believing.”

"Monument to Workers" from Hamilton Ontario

“Keep us, Lord, O keep us cleaving to thyself and still believing.”
 
Hymn: “Praise the Savior, Ye Who Know Him” – Thomas Ken (1637-1711)
Tune: ACCLAIM

I know that “cleaving” is an archaic word, but here it seems so appropriate. While it means to cling faithfully, steadfastly, closely to someone or something, in this case I am reminded of the phrase “hanging on for dear life,” because our constant attachment to the Lord Christ is one which fits that description quite perfectly.

It’s that vine-branch relationship from John 15; we draw life from that to which we are attached… to which we cling – or cleave! This “dear life” which is ours – this precious, cherished, redeemed existence – is maintained only when we don’t lose our grasp – when we are not cut off from the Source.

As Thomas Ken reminds us in this brief prayer statement, we keep on hanging on because we still believe; we have a verbally indescribable confidence that this clinging connection is for our best – and is best for earthly bonds (family, friends, etc.) and is best for the Kingdom.

It is my prayer that THIS prayer will be YOUR prayer today and every day: “Lord, keep me hangin’ on.”

This song is counter to the message of the hymn,  
but what the heck:let the Supremes take you back!