The Lutheran Hymnal ‎#597

597. For Me to Live Is Jesus

1 For me to live is Jesus,
To die is gain for me;
Then, whensoe'er He pleases,
I meet death willingly.

2 For Christ, my Lord and Brother,
I leave this world so dim
And gladly seek that other,
Where I shall be with Him.

3 My woes are nearly over,
Tho' long and dark the road;
My sin His merits cover,
And I have peace with God.

4 Lord, when my pow'rs are failing,
My breath comes heavily,
And words are unavailing.
Oh, hear my sighs to Thee!

5 When mind and thought, 0 Savior,
Are flickering like a light
That to and fro doth waver
Ere 'tis extinguished quite,

6 In that last hour, oh, grant me
To slumber soft and still,
No doubts to vex or haunt me,
Safe anchored on Thy will;

7 And so to Thee still cleaving
Through all death's agony,
To fall asleep believing
And wake in heaven with Thee.

8 Amen! Thou, Christ, my Savior,
Wilt grant this unto me.
Thy Spirit lead me ever
That I fare happily.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: For me to live is Jesus
• Title: For Me to Live Is Jesus
• German Title: Christus, der ist mein Leben
• Translator (st. 1-7): Catherine Winkworth (1863, alt.)
• Author: Unknown (1609, 1612)
• Translator (st. 8): Unknown
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1941
• Scripture:
  Philippians 1:21
• Topic: The Last Things: Death and Burial

Tune Information

• Name: CHRISTUS, DER IST MEIN
• Composer: Melchior Vulpius (1609)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.
• Key: E♭ Major