463. Deck Yourself, My Soul, with Gladness

1 Deck yourself, my soul, with gladness,
leave the gloomy haunts of sadness,
come into the daylight’s splendour,
there with joy your praises render
unto Christ, whose grace unbounded
has this wondrous banquet founded;
high o’er all the heavens reigning,
yet to dwell with you is deigning.

2 Now I come before you lowly,
filled with joy most deep and holy,
as with trembling awe and wonder
on your mighty works I ponder;
how, by mystery surrounded,
depth no one has ever sounded,
none may dare to pierce unbidden
secrets that with you are hidden.

3 Sun, which all my living brightens;
Light, which heart and soul enlightens;
Joy, most sweet and spirit freeing;
Fount, the source of all my being;
at your feet I cry, my Maker,
let me be a fit partaker
of this blessed food from heaven,
for our good your glory given.

4 Jesus, bread of life, I pray you
let me gladly here obey you;
never to my hurt invited,
be your love with love requited;
from this banquet let me measure,
God, how vast and deep its treasure;
through the gifts you here now give me,
as your guest in heaven receive me.

Text Information
First Line: Deck yourself, my soul, with gladness
Title: Deck Yourself, My Soul, with Gladness
Author: Johann Franck (1649)
Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1858, rev. 1863, alt.)
Meter: 8 8 8 8 D
Language: English
Publication Date: 1996
Topic: The Church at Worship: Holy Communion; liturgical: Communion Songs; Commitment (7 more...)
Tune Information
Name: SCHMÜCKE DICH
Composer: Johann Crüger (1649)
Meter: 8 8 8 8 D
Key: D Major



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