He tells a story that frightens me
then gives a promise and soothes my heart
He makes requests that drive my head to spinning
then bids me simply slip my hand in His
He will not grant me what I need to know
but whispers secrets of His soul
I cannot turn away from Him
His words have taken root in me
I know so deeply He's the One
this Christ, this Son, Eternal God
I, Heidi Johnson, take you, Jesus - the Christ, the Son of God, to be my one spiritual husband; to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health; to love and respect, to serve and obey, until you bring me safely into your heavenly kingdom where you will present me to yourself in splendor, as holy and faultless, before God the Father as your bride for all eternity, according to God's will which He ordained before the foundation of the world.
I vow, by your divine help, to be your faithful wife, understanding that our marriage is an eternal union, and not to be entered into lightly, for the purpose of mutual fellowship, encouragement and understanding; for the procreation of spiritual children and their spiritual nurture. I hereby give myself to you in this cause, with my sacred vow before God, and thereto I pledge thee my loyalty and faithfulness.
Whom have I, O Lord, beside you?
What have I except your love?
Where is home if not for heaven,
there to dwell with you above?
Who are you, if not my Savior?
Who am I if not your own?
What are you if not my shelter,
Christ, my rock and cornerstone?
Jesus, Savior, blessed friend, I will love you without end.
Who will share my earthly sorrow?
Who will heal my broken heart?
Who will hold my life together
when it seems to fall apart?
When the fears are far too many,
and the joys are far too few,
Who will comfort and defend me?
Only you, Lord only you.
Jesus, Savior, dearest friend, I will trust you without end.
Where, O Lord, when life is over,
can I go, but home to you?
What have I except the promise
where you are I shall be too?
When at last I reach the comfort
of that bright celestrial place,
There with joy will I behold you,
gaze upon your glorious face.
Jesus, Savior, heav'nly friend, I will praise you without end.
I will praise you without end.
Jesus, Savior, Blessed Friend
Deborah Govenor
Beckenhorst Press, 1988
