For you, O church, we groan and yearn, that your joy may be complete in the sufferings and the hope.
To do and die for Christ, as the world turns its back on you, like it did to Him.
You bear your cross in weakness, and yet how strong you are, for the LORD thy God is with you as your blood is shed.
Your faith is bold and ever bright, even in the darkest of night.
Let it not dim, though you weary, you will not break, for those scars on your back, are the ones your Saviour bore.
Come and rejoice with those tears of gold, they are more precious to God, than we can ever know.
They burn your buildings, your children and wives, but bodies come and go, when your soul has eternal life.
Your belief is mocked, you are called a fool,
but better to be foolish than wise and not have life.
Yes, O church, how excruciating your pain, but we share in sufferings and we share in glory.
And when the stones hit your body,
And your hearts are pierced, the eyes of Jesus burn with love and fury.
So take comfort, that to be hated by the world and loved by God is an infinite beauty that endures forevermore.