The Chorale Book for England ‎#21

21. Ah! Lord, how shall I meet Thee

Ah! Lord, how shall I meet Thee,
How welcome Thee aright?
All nations long to greet Thee,
My hope, my sole delight!
Brighten the lamp that burneth
But dimly in my breast,
And teach my soul, that yearneth
To honour such high guest.

Thy Zion strews before Thce
Her fairest buds and palms,
And I too will adore Thee
With sweetest songs and psalms;
My soul breaks forth in flowers
Rejoicing in Thy fame,
And summons all her powers
To honour Jesus' name.

Nought, nought, 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!

O ye sad hearts that sicken
With hope deferred, and see
The gloom around you thicken,
The joys ye hoped for flee,--
Despair not, He is near you,
Yea, at the very door,
Who best can help and cheer you,
He will not linger more.

Nor sin shall make you fearful,
Ashamed to see His face,
The contrite heart and tearful
He covers with His grace;
He comes to heal the spirit
That mourneth sin-oppressed,
And raise us to inherit
With Him our proper rest.

He comes to judge the nations,
A terror to His foes,
A light of consolations
And blessed hope to those
Who love the Lord's appearing:
O glorious Sun, now come,
Send forth Thy beams of cheering
And guide us safely home!

Text Information

• First Line: Ah! Lord, how shall I meet Thee
• Title: Ah! Lord, how shall I meet Thee
• German Title: Wie soll ich dich empfangen
• Author: Gerhardt (1653)
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1863
• Notes: Public Domain.

Tune Information

(No tune information)