The Lutheran Hymnary ‎#507

507. Heavenward still our pathway tends

1 Heavenward still our pathway tends,
Here on earth we are but strangers;
Till our road in Canaan ends,
Safely passed this wild of dangers,
Pilgrims we, a scattered band,
Seek above our fatherland.

2 Heavenward still, my soul, ascend!
Thou art one of heaven's creations;
Earth can ne'er give aim or end
Fit to fill thy aspirations;
And a heaven-enlightened mind
Evermore its source to find.

3 Heavenward still! God's volume blest,
Thus, throughout its sacred pages,
calls on me, and speaks its rest,
Rest with Him through endless ages;
While my heart that call attends,
Still to heaven my path ascends.

4 Heavenward still my thoughts arise,
When His festal board invites me;
Then my spirit upward flied,
Foretaste then of heaven delight me:
When on earth this food hath ceased,
Comes the Lamb's own marriage-feast.

5 Heavenward still my spirit wends,
That fair land by faith exploring;
Heavenward still my heart ascends,
Sun and moon and stars out-soaring:
Their faint rays in vain would try
With the light of heaven to vie.

5 Heavenward still, when life shall close,
Death to my true home shall guide me:
Then, triumphant o'er my woes,
Lasting bliss shall God provide me;
Christ Himself the way has led;
Joyful in His steps I tread.

6 Still then heavenward! heavenward still!
That shall be my watchword ever!
Joys of heaven my heart shall fill,
Chasing joys that filled it never;
Heavenward still my thoughts shall run,
Till the gate of heaven is won.

Text Information

• First Line: Heavenward still our pathway tends
• Author: B. Schmolk (1731)
• Meter: 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7.
• Publication Date: 1913
• Topic: The Church Year: Twenty-fourth Sunday after Trinity; Pilgrimage

Tune Information

• Name: [Heavenward still our pathway tends]
• Meter: 7, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7.
• Key: F Major
• Source: Lüneburgisches Gesangbuch, 1686