Author: P. Gerhardt Hymnal: Hymns of the Evangelical Lutheran Church #7 (1886) Lyrics: 1 O Lord, how shall I meet Thee,
how welcome Thee aright?
All nations long to greet Thee,
My hope, my heart’s delight!
O kindle, dearest Jesus,
Thy lamp within my breast,
That I may know what pleases Thee,
Lord, my heavenly guest.
2 Thy Zion strews before Thee
Green boughs and fairest palms,
And I too will adore Thee
With sweetest songs and psalms.
My heart shall bloom forever
For Thee with praises new,
And from Thy name shall never
Withhold the honor due.
3 What hast Thou left ungranted,
To give me glad relief?
When soul and body panted
In utmost depth of grief,
In deepest degradation,
Devoid of joy and peace,
Then Thou, my soul's Salvation,
Didst come to bring release.
4 I lay in fetters groaning,
Thou com’st to set me free;
I stood, my shame bemoaning,
Thou com’st to honor me;
A glory Thou dost give me,
A treasure safe on high,
That will not fail nor leave me
As earthly riches fly.
5 Naught, naught, dear Lord, could move Thee
To leave Thy rightful place
Save love, for which I love Thee;
A love that could embrace
A world where sorrow dwelleth,
Which sin and suffering fill,
More than the tongue e'er telleth;--
Yet Thou couldst love it still!
6 Rejoice, then, ye sad-hearted,
Who sit in deepest gloom,
Who mourn o’er joys departed,
And tremble at your doom:
Despair not, He is near you,
Yea, standing at the door,
Who best can help and cheer you,
And bid you weep no more.
7 No care, nor effort either,
Is needed day or night,
How ye may draw Him hither
In your own strength and might.
He comes, He comes with gladness,
Moved by His love alone,
To calm your fear and sadness,
Which unto Him are known.
8 Sin's debt, that fearful burden,
Let not your souls distress;
Your guilt the Lord will pardon
And cover with His grace.
He comes, He comes procuring
The peace of sin forgiven,
For all God's son's securing
Their part and lot in heaven.
9 Why should the wicked move you?
Heed not their craft and spite!
Your Saviour, who doth love you,
Will scatter all their might.
He comes, a King most glorious,
And all His earthly foes
In vain His course victorious
Endeavor to oppose.
10 He comes to judge the nations,
A terror to His foes,
A Light of consolations
And blessed hope to those
Who love the Lord's appearing.
O glorious Sun, now come,
Send forth Thy beams so cheering,
And guide us safely home! Topics: The Church Year Languages: English Tune Title: [O Lord, how shall I meet Thee]
O Lord, how shall I meet Thee
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