Author: Johann Franck; Catherine Winkworth Meter: 8.8.8.8 D Appears in 121 hymnals Topics: Longing for God or Christ Lyrics: 1 Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness,
Leave the gloomy haunts of sadness,
Come into the daylight’s splendor,
There with joy thy praises render
Unto Him whose grace unbounded
Has this wondrous banquet founded.
High o’er all the heavens He reigneth,
Yet to dwell with thee He deigneth.
2 Hasten as a bride to meet Him,
And with loving reverence 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 never more will leave Thee.
3 Ah! how hungers all my spirit
For the love I do not merit!
Oft have I, with sighs fast thronging,
Thought 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.
4 Jesus, bread of life, I pray Thee,
Let me gladly here obey Thee;
By Thy love I am invited,
Be Thy love with love requited.
From this banquet let me measure,
Lord, how vast and deep its treasure;
Through the gifts Thou here dost give me
As Thy guest in heaven receive me. Used With Tune: SCHMÜCKE DICH, O LIEBE SEELE
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