Today’s hymn from Sing Praise is “Lord you are the light of life to me” by Brian Hoare. After a run of three familiar songs, this one, and its composer, are new to me. Brian also composed the tune, which has the unusual metrical pattern of 9.10.11.10 and so can’t easily be substituted with another. For once I’m writing this before seeing John’s rendition so maybe he will have written his own?
This is a personal sort of hymn, written in terms of “I and me”. It addresses the Lord Jesus directly as a friend, as well as a King (verse 5). He is variously addressed as the light of life who guides me, the rock who keeps me safe when I am weak, the truth who brings freedom and liberty, the Lamb who died for love of me (and set an example for the way I should love others), and finally the king who reigns perfectly and unceasingly, in contrast to earth’s rulers. Although new to me, this is a hymn I would be happy to use in a church service when occasion arises, as well as devotionally.