1  When Christ of old with healing pow'r

    When forth through all the suffering land,

    His word so oft was wont to be,

    "Stretch forth thy hand, stretch forth thy hand!"

    And though the palsied arm might shrink

    And tremble at the strange command,

    The healing touch was only felt

    While stretching forth the withered hand.

 2  That changeless Christ is still as near

    And just as kind and strong to save;

    He came to lift our fallen race

    From sin and sickness and the grave.

    As in the days of Galilee,

    Disease still flees at His command;

    But ere His touch your frame can feel,

    You, too, must still stretch forth your hand.

 3  What though you feel so weak and faint?

    He can your will with strength endue,

    New faith and courage breathe within

    And work in you to will and do.

    Reach out to meet His quickening touch;

    Take up your bed, arise and stand;

    And pressing through to meet your Lord,

    Stretch forth your hand, stretch forth your hand.