HYMN #1069 SSS #1069 • SS&S Meter: 7.8.4. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #1069: Speed Thy servants

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

1

Speed Thy servants, Saviour, speed them:
Thou art Lord of winds and waves;
They were bound, but Thou hast freed them;
Nowthey go to free the slaves
Be Thou with them,
’Tis Thine arm alone that saves.

2

Friends and home and all forsaking,
Lord, they go at Thy command;
As their stay Thy promise taking,
While they traverse sea and land:
Oh, be with them,
Lead them safely by the hand!

3

Where no fruit appears to cheer them,
And they seem to toil in vain—
Then in mercy, Lord, draw near them,
Then their sinking hopes sustain;
Thus supported,
Let their zeal revive again.

4

In the midst of opposition
Let them trust, O Lord, in Thee;
When success attends their mission,
Let Thy servants humble be:
Never leave them,
Till Thy face in heaven they see;

5

There to reap in joy for ever,
Fruit that grows from seed here sown;
There to be with Him, who never
Ceases to preserve His own,
And with triumph
Sing a Saviour’s grace alone.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Speed Thy servants"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #1069 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 5 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: 7.8.4.
Stanza Structure: 5 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

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