Traditional Hymns
And Are We Yet Alive
And Are We Yet Alive
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And Are We Yet Alive (.midi) And Are We Yet Alive (.mp3) And Are We Yet Alive Bells Version (.mp3)
1. And are we yet alive, and see each other's face? Glory and thanks to Jesus give for his almighty grace!
2. Preserved by power divine to full salvation here, again in Jesus' praise we join, and in his sight appear.
3. What troubles have we seen, what mighty conflicts past, fightings without, and fears within, since we assembled last!
4. Yet out of all the Lord hath brought us by his love; and still he doth his help afford, and hides our life above.
5. Then let us make our boast of his redeeming power, which saves us to the uttermost, till we can sin no more.
6. Let us take up the cross till we the crown obtain, and gladly reckon all things loss so we may Jesus gain.
Story of the hymn And Are We Yet Alive
🌱 Origins of the Hymn
Charles Wesley first published "And Are We Yet Alive" in 1749 in his collection Hymns and Sacred Poems.
It originally appeared in a section titled "Hymns for Christian Friends" which is a clue to its purpose. Wesley wrote it as a hymn of reunion, gratitude, and spiritual reflection for believers who had endured another year of trials and triumphs.
The opening line, "And are we yet alive, and see each other’s face?" captures the emotional weight of early Methodist fellowship.
Life in the 18th century was precarious, and the Methodist movement itself faced persecution, illness, travel dangers, and internal conflict. Simply gathering again was a moment for thanksgiving.
🤝 Why It Became a Methodist Tradition
Although Charles wrote the hymn, it was John Wesley, his brother and the founder of Methodism, who made it famous. Beginning in the 1780s, John adopted it as the opening hymn for the British Methodist Conference. The tradition spread, and soon it became the standard opening hymn for Methodist annual conferences around the world.
Even today, many Methodists associate the hymn with the joy of seeing long‑time friends and colleagues after a year apart. The hymn’s themes: survival, perseverance, unity, and divine grace, fit perfectly with the spirit of these gatherings.
