The New Christian Hymnal ‎#426

426. Deck Thyself, My Soul, with Gladness

1. Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness,
Leave the gloomy haunts of sadness,
Come into the daylight's splendor,
There will joy thy praises render
Unto Him, whose grace unbounded
Hath this wondrous banquet founded;
High o'er all the earth He reigneth,
Yet to dwell with thee He deigneth.

2. Hasten as a bride to meet Him,
And with loving rev'rence greet Him,
For with words of life immortal
Now He knocketh at thy portal;
Open wide the gates before Him,
Saying, while thou dost adore Him,
"Suffer, Lord, that I receive Thee,
And I nevermore will leave Thee."

3. Ah! how hungers all my spirit
For the love I do not merit!
Oft have I, with sighs fast thronging,
Tho't upon this food with longing;
In the battle, well-nigh worsted,
For this cup of life have thirsted,
For the Friend who here invites us,
And to God Himself unites us.

Text Information

• First Line: Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness
• Title: Deck Thyself, My Soul, with Gladness
• Author: J. Franck (1649)
• Translator: Miss C. Winkworth (1863)
• Meter: L M D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1929
• Topic: Choral Section: Preciousness of Christ

Tune Information

• Name: SCHMÜCKE DICH, O LIEBE SEELE
• Composer: Johann Crüger (1649)
• Meter: L M D
• Incipit: 32123 54353 43213
• Key: D Major