When Christ of old with healing pow’r

When Christ of old with healing pow’r

Went forth through all the suffering land

His word so oft was wont to be

“Stretch forth thy hand

stretch forth thy hand!”

And though the palsied arm might shrink

And tremble at the strange command

The healing touch was only felt

While stretching forth the withered hand.

O suffering one

stretch forth your hand

Upon His promise take your stand.

At His command stretch forth your hand

And Christ shall make you whole.

That changeless Christ is still as near

And just as kind and strong to save;

He came to lift our fallen race

From sin and sickness and the grave.

As in the days of Galilee

Disease still flees at His command;

But ere His touch your frame can feel

You

too

must still stretch forth your hand.

What though you feel so weak and faint?

He can your will with strength endue

New faith and courage breathe within

And work in you to will and do.

Reach out to meet His quickening touch;

Take up your bed

arise and stand;

And pressing through to meet your Lord

Stretch forth your hand

stretch forth your hand.