Lutheran Book of Worship ‎#375

375. Only-Begotten, Word of God Eternal

1 Only-begotten, Word of God eternal,
Lord of creation, merciful and mighty:
Hear us, your servants, as our tuneful voices
Rise in your presence.

2 Holy this temple where our Lord is dwelling;
This is none other than the gate of heaven.
Ever your children, year by year rejoicing,
Chant in your temple.

3 This is your palace; here your presence-chamber.
Here may your servants, at the mystic banquet
Daily adoring, take your body broken,
Drink of your chalice.

4 Here for your children stands the holy laver,
Fountain of pardon for the guilt of nature;
Cleansed by whose water, springs a race anointed,
Faithful to Jesus.

5 Hear us, O Father, as we throng your temple.
By your past blessings, by your present bounty,
Smile on your children, and in grace and mercy
Hear our petition.

6 God in three Persons, Father everlasting,
Son co-eternal, ever-blessed Spirit:
To you be praises, thanks, and adoration,
Glory forever.

Text Information

• First Line: Only-begotten, Word of God eternal
• Title: Only-Begotten, Word of God Eternal
• Translator: Maxwell J. Blacker, 1822-1888 (alt.)
• Meter: 11 11 11 5
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1978
• Topic: Community in Christ; Church Building; Close of Service; Holy Communion; Worship
• Source: Bern, 9th cent.

Tune Information

• Name: ISTE CONFESSOR
• Meter: 11 11 11 5
• Key: d minor
• Source: Antiphoner, Poitiers, 1746
• Copyright: Setting © 1969 Concordia Publishing House