Church Hymnal for Lutheran Services 74. O Lord, how shall I meet Thee

Church Hymnal for Lutheran Services‎#74

Text:

74. O Lord, how shall I meet Thee

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1. O LORD, how shall I meet Thee,
How welcome Thee aright?
All nations long to greet Thee,
My Hope, my heart’s Delight!
O kindle, dearest Jesus,
Thy lamp within my breast,
That I may know what pleases
Thee, Lord, my heav'nly Guest.

2. Thy Zion strews before Thee
Green boughs and fairest palms,
And I, too, will adore Thee
With sweetest songs and psalms.
My heart shall bloom forever
For Thee with praises new,
And from Thy name shall never
Withhold the honor due.

3. What hast Thou left ungranted
To give me glad relief?
When soul and body panted
In utmost depth of grief,
In deepest degradation,
Devoid of joy and peace,
Then, Thou, my soul's Salvation,
Didst come to bring release.

4. Naught, naught, dear Lord, could move Thee
To leave Thy rightful place
Save love, for which I love Thee:
A love that could embrace
A world where sorrow dwelleth,
Which sin and suffering fill,
More than the tongue e'er telleth:--
Yet Thou couldst love it still!

5. Rejoice then, ye sad-hearted,
Who sit in deepest gloom,
Who mourn o’er joys departed,
And tremble at your doom:
Despair not, He is near you,
Yea, standing at the door,
Who best can help and cheer you,
And bid you weep no more.

6. Sin's debt, that fearful burden,
Let not your souls distress;
Your guilt the Lord will pardon
And cover with His grace.
He comes, He comes, procuring
The peace of sin forgiv'n,
To all God's sons securing
Their part and lot in heav'n.