Ancient and Modern ‎#440

440. Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness

1 Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness,
leave the gloomy haunts of sadness;
come into the daylight's splendour,
there with joy thy praises render
unto him whose grace unbounded
hath this wondrous banquet founded:
high o'er all the heavens he reigneth,
yet to dwell with thee he deigneth.

2 Now I sink before thee lowly,
filled with joy most deep and holy,
as with trembling awe and wonder
on thy mighty works I ponder:
how, by mystery surrounded,
depth no mortal ever sounded,
none may dare to pierce unbidden
secrets that with thee are hidden.

3 Sun, who all my life dost brighten,
light, who dost my soul enlighten,
joy, the sweetest heart e'er knoweth,
fount, whence all my being floweth,
at thy feet I cry, my Maker,
let me be a fit partaker
of this blessed food from heaven,
for our good, thy glory, given.

4 Jesus, Bread of Life, I pray thee,
let me gladly here obey thee;
never to my hurt invited,
be thy love with love requited:
from this banquet let me measure,
Lord, how vast and deep its treasure;
through the gifts thou here dost give me,
as thy guest in heaven receive me.

Text Information

• First Line: Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness
• German Title: Schmücke dich, O liebe Seele
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878) (alt.)
• Author: Johann Franck (1618-1677)
• Meter: 88 88 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  Psalm 2:11
  ;
  John 6:35
• Topic: Adoration; Future hope; God: in mystery; God: Love of; Holy Communion; Joy; The Sixth Sunday of Easter: Year B

Tune Information

• Name: SCHMÜCKE DICH
• Harmonizer: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
• Composer (melody): Johann Crüger (1598-1662)
• Meter: 88 88 D
• Key: E♭ Major
• Copyright: Harmonisation: From The English Hymnal, 1906, Reproduced by permission of Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.