Author: Rist Hymnal: Chorale Book for England, The #94 (1863) Lyrics:
O Living Bread from heaven,
How richly hast Thou fed Thy guest!
The gifts Thou now hast given
Have fill'd my heart with joy and rest.
O wondrous food of blessing,
O cup that heals our woes,
My heart this gift possessing
In thankful songs o'erflows;
For while the life and strength in me
Were quicken'd by this food,
My soul hath gaz'd awhile on Thee,
My highest, only Good!
My God, Thou here hast led me
Within Thy temple's holiest place,
And there Thyself hast fed me
With all the treasures of Thy grace;
Oh boundless is Thy kindness,
And righteous is Thy power,
While I in sinful blindness
Am erring hour by hour;
And yet Thou comest, dost not spurn
A sinner, Lord, like me!
Ah how can I Thy love return,
What gift have I for Thee?
A heart that hath repented,
And mourns for sin with bitter sighs,--
Thou, Lord, art well-contented
With this my only sacrifice.
I know that in my weakness
Thou wilt despise me not,
But grant me in Thy meekness
The favour I have sought!
Yes, Thou wilt deign in grace to heed
The song that now I raise,
For meet and right is it indeed
That I should sing Thy praise.
Grant what I have partaken
May through Thy grace so work in me,
That sin be all forsaken,
And I may cleave alone to Thee,
And all my soul be heedful
How she Thy love may know:
For this alone is needful,
Thy love should in me glow;
Then let no beauty please mine eyes,
No joy allure my heart,
But what in Thee, my Saviour, lies,
What Thou dost here impart.
O well for me that, strengthen'd
With heavenly food and comfort here,
Howe'er my course be lengthen'd,
I now may serve Thee free from fear.
Away then earthly pleasure,
All earthly gifts are vain,
I seek a heavenly treasure,
My home I long to gain,
Where I shall live and praise my God,
And none my peace destroy,
Where all the soul is overflow'd
With pure eternal joy.
Languages: English
O Living Bread from heaven