1. O Lord, how shall I meet You,
How welcome you aright?
Your people long to greet You,
My Hope, my heart's Delight!
O Jesus, let Your Word
Be a lamp to light may way,
To show my how to please You,
To guide me ev'ry day.
2. Your Zion strews before You
Green baughs and fairest palms;
And I to will adore You,
With joyous songs and psalms.
My heart shall bloom forever for
You with praises new
And from Your name shall never
withold the honor due.
3. I lay in fetters groaning,
You came to set me free;
I stood, my shame bemoaning,
You came to honor me.
A glorious crown You give me,
A treasure safe on high,
That will not fail nor leave me
As earthly riches fly.
4. Love caused Your incarnation,
Love brought You down to me;
Your thirst for my salvation
Procured my liberty.
O love beyond all telling,
That led you to embrace
In love all love excelling
Our lost and fallen race.
5. Rejoice, then, you sad-hearted,
Who sit in deepest gloom,
Who mourn o'er joys departed,
And tremble at your doom:
Despair not; He is near you,
He's standing at the door;
Who best can help and cheer you,
And bids you weep no more.
6. 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 Your beams most cheering,
And guide us safely home.
Text: Paul Gerhardt, l607-76; abr., El’. composite
Tune: Melchior Teschnet, 15844635, alt. VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN
Setting © 1993 Kermit G. Moldenhauer 76 76 D