Church Book ‎#114

114. O how shall I receive Thee

1 O how shall I receive Thee,
How greet Thee, Lord, aright?
All nations long to see Thee,
My hope, my heart's delight!
O kindle, Lord, most holy,
Thy lamp within my breast,
To do in spirit lowly
All that may please Thee best.

2 Thy Zion palms is strewing,
And branches fresh and fair;
My heart, its powers renewing,
An anthem shall prepare.
My soul puts off her sadness
Thy glories to proclaim;
With all her strength and gladness
She fain would serve Thy Name.

3 I lay in fetters groaning,
Thou comest to set me free!
I stood, my shame bemoaning,
Thou comest to honor me!
A glory Thou dost give me,
A treasure safe on high,
That will not fail nor leave me
As earthly riches fly.

4 Love caused Thy incarnation,
Love brought Thee down to me.
Thy thirst for my salvation
Procured my liberty.
O Love beyond all telling,
That led Thee to embrace,
In love all love excelling,
Our lost and fallen race!

5 Rejoice then, ye sad-hearted,
Who sit in deepest gloom,
Who mourn o'er joys departed,
And tremble at your doom:
He who alone can cheer you,
Is standing at the door;
He brings His pity near you,
And bids you weep no more.

Text Information

• First Line: O how shall I receive Thee
• German Title: Wie soll ich Dich empfangen
• Author: Paul Gerhardt (1653)
• Meter: 7, 6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1890
• Topic: Advent; Advent, First Sunday; Sunday after Christmas; Tenth Sunday after Trinity
• Source: Seaton's Leeds Church H. B., Tr. 1859

Tune Information

• Name: WIE SOLL ICH DICH EMPFANGEN
• Meter: 7, 6.
• Key: E♭ Major
• Notes: Composer from index: Joh. Crüger, 1653