“Here, O Lord, Your Servants Gather,” a hymn celebrating Christian unity, comes to us from Japan. In Japanese: Sekai no tomo to te o tsunagi. The hymn was written in Japanese by a Methodist pastor, Tokuo Yamaguichi. (1900-1995) It was composed for the 14th International Christian Education Conference in Tokyo held in 1958. It was later translated into English by Everett M. Stowe and has since been included in several hymnals, including ours. The tune, TOKYO, is also Japanese, written by Isao Koizumi. (1907-1992)
The hymn emphasizes unity and hope among believers across cultural and linguistic differences. The four stanzas each highlight a different aspect of Christ.
1. Jesus is the WAY: believers gather and link hands in love.
2. Jesus is the TRUTH: despite diverse languages and scattered lands, our hearts are united in God’s love.
3. Jesus is the LIFE: amid change and turmoil, Jesus provides healing and peace.
4. A Prayer for Guidance. In the final stanza we ask God for the courage and faith to acknowledge Jesus as the Way, Truth and Life.
This hymn with its message of hope, unity and spiritual guidance, fosters a sense of global Christian fellowship. “Your servants” gather not only here in at our worship, but in Christian worship throughout our nation and the world. God’s unconditional love extends beyond human boundaries.
Judy