"Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus"

“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”

By Daniel Henderson

“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”

Words: Charles Wesley, 1744 (Verses 1 & 4)

Mark Hunt, 1978 (Verses 2 & 3)

Music: “Hyfrydol” by R.H. Prichard

In 1744, Charles Wesley penned the profound lyrics of “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus,” which would soon be published in his collection, Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord. Having seen firsthand the needs of the poor and marginalized in British society, Wesley was inspired to write hymns that would prepare hearts for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. We hope the various prayer prompts will help you and your family go deeper in the application of the truths of this great hymn. Selected prompts can also be used in public gatherings to engage God’s people in personal worship, confession, trust, and expressions of hope in Christ’s power.

Verse 1

Come, Thou long expected Jesus,

Born to set Thy people free;

From our fears and sins release us;

Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation,

Hope of all the earth Thou art;

Dear Desire of ev’ry nation,

Joy of every longing heart.

I praise You, Jesus, because You have set me free from…
Thank You that You have delivered me from the fear of…
Because only You can release people from the power of sin, I pray for (name).
Lord, I confess that I am troubled about… Let me find rest in You.
Because You are the strength of Your people, I pray today for (name).
Jesus, because You offer divine consolation, please comfort (name).
Thank You, Lord, that You are my hope even when…
Jesus, because You are the desire of every nation, I pray for the work of the gospel in the nation of…
I pray for (name), who needs the joy only you can give right now.

Verse 2

Joy to those who long to see Thee

Dayspring from on high, appear.

Come, Thou promised Rod of Jesse,

Of Thy birth, we long to hear!

O’er the hills the angels singing News,

glad tidings of a birth;

“Go to Him your praises bringing,

Christ the Lord has come to earth!”

Thank You, Jesus, that the joy I have in You is greater than…
Jesus, because You are the Dayspring (see Luke 1:78; John 1:4,9-10), use me to shine Your light in the darkness of our society, especially…
Rod of Jesse (see Isa. 11:1,10; Rom. 15:12; Rev. 22:16), we have great hope in Your ultimate reign over…
Today, I join with the angels in singing praises to You because You are…

Verse 3

Come to earth to taste our sadness,

He whose glories knew no end.

By His life He brings us gladness,

Our redeemer, Shepherd, Friend.

Leaving riches without number,

Born within a cattle stall;

This the everlasting wonder,

Christ was born the Lord of all.

Today I surrender my sadness over…, knowing that You always understand.
Jesus, I pray that You will bring gladness to (name), who is struggling with…
I praise You that You have redeemed me from…
Thank You that You were my faithful Shepherd when…
I am so grateful that You are my faithful friend, especially when…
Because You left unending glory and riches, make we willing to leave… for You.

Verse 4

Born Thy people to deliver,

Born a child, and yet a King,

Born to reign in us forever,

Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.

By Thine own eternal Spirit

Rule in all our hearts alone;

By Thine all-sufficient merit

Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

Lord, today I am trusting you to deliver me from…
Lord, I pray for (name), that they will trust You to deliver them from…
Praise You, Jesus, that you are King over…
Reign in me today as I surrender my… to You.
I pray for the advancement of Your kingdom today in the nation of…
Thank you, Jesus, that Your death on my behalf is sufficient to…
Thank You that Your throne is more glorious than… — and is my eternal destiny.