God Intercedeth

I've discovered a 'new' verse to a favorite holy week (and any week) hymn, Ah, Holy Jesus. We have learned four verses and harmony parts from our Worshiping Church hymnal and love singing it together. Then last night, Katie called to say that she'd found the hymn in our beloved Trinity hymnal, that I should look there for a beautiful alternate melody--she was apparently playing and singing her own heart into a Good Friday evening posture and had to share. I'm so glad she did. Not only do I love the tune--sort of ancient and chant-y sounding to my ears--I found a beautiful fifth verse tucked into the middle of the hymn. It takes my breath away.

Lo, the good Shepherd for the sheep is offered:

The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered:

For man's atonement, while he nothing heedeth,

God intercedeth.