Blest Be the Tie That Binds - Traditional

Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

Before our Father's throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts and our cares.

We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.

This glorious hope revives
Our courage by the way;
While each in expectation lives,
And longs to see the day.

From sorrow, toil, and pain,
And sin, we shall be free;
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.

Blest Be the Tie That Binds lyrics were written by John Fawcett after he decided to stay with his poor congregation rather than move to a more prestigious post. The song describes the shared burdens and joys of the church and the hope of a perfect union in heaven. It is the quintessential hymn of fellowship. By singing these lyrics the faithful affirm their commitment to one another acknowledging that their shared faith creates a bond stronger than any earthly relationship.