The Lutheran Hymnal ‎#399

399. Thee Will I Love, My Strength, My Tower

1 Thee will I love, my Strength, my Tower;
Thee will I love, my Hope, my Joy;
Thee will I love with all my power,
With ardor time shall ne'er destroy.
Thee will I love, O Light Divine,
So long as life is mine.

2 Thee will I love, my Life, my Savior,
Who art my best and truest Friend.
Thee will I love and praise forever,
For never shall Thy kindness end;
Thee will I love with all my heart,
Thou my Redeemer art.

3 I thank Thee, Jesus, Sun from heaven,
Whose radiance hath bro't light to me;
I thank Thee, who hast richly given
All that could make me glad and free;
I thank Thee that my soul is healed
By what Thy lips revealed.

4 Oh, keep me watchful, then, and humble;
And suffer me no more to stray;
Uphold me when my feet would stumble,
Nor let me loiter by the way.
Fill all my nature with Thy light,
O Radiance strong and bright!

5 Oh, teach me, Lord, to love Thee truly
With soul and body, head and heart,
And grant me grace that I may duly
Practice fore'er love's sacred art.
Grant that my ev'ry thought may be
Directed e'er to Thee.

6 Thee will I love, my Crown of gladness,
Thee will I love, my God and Lord,
Amid the darkest depths of sadness,
Not for the hope of high reward--
For Thine own sake, O Light Divine,
So long as life is mine.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Thee will I love, my Strength, my Tower
• Title: Thee Will I Love, My Strength, My Tower
• German Title: Ich will dich lieben, meine Stärke
• Author: Johann Scheffler (1687, cento)
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1863, alt.)
• Meter: 9.8.9.8.8.6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1941
• Scripture:
  John 14:23
• Topic: Sanctification (The Christian Life): Consecration

Tune Information

• Name: ICH WILL DICH LIEBEN
• Meter: 9.8.9.8.8.6.
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: "Harmonischer Liederschatz," Frankfurt, 1738