580. Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness

PART ONE -
1 Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness,
leave the gloomy haunts of sadness;
come into the daylight's splendour,
there with joy thy praises render
unto him whose grace unbounded
hath this wondrous banquet founded:
high o'er all the heavens he reigneth,
yet to dwell with thee he deigneth.

2 Now I sink before thee lowly,
filled with joy most deep and holy,
as with trembling awe and wonder
on thy mighty works I ponder:
how, by mystery surrounded,
depth no man hath ever sounded,
none may dare to pierce unbidden
secrets that with thee are hidden.

PART TWO -

3 Sun, who all my life dost brighten,
Light, who dost my soul enlighten,
Joy, the sweetest man e'er knoweth,
Fount, whence all my being floweth,
at thy feet I cry, my Maker,
let me be a fit partaker
of this blessèd food from heaven,
for our good, thy glory, given.

4 Jesus, Bread of Life, I pray thee,
let me gladly here obey thee;
never to my hurt 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.

Text Information
First Line: Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness
German Title: Schmücke dich
Author: Johann Franck, 1618-1677
Translator: Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878
Meter: L.M. D
Language: English
Publication Date: 2010
Topic: Sacraments and Other Occasions: Holy Communion
Tune Information
Name: SCHMÜCKE DICH
Composer: Johann Crüger, 1598-1662
Meter: L.M. D
Key: D Major



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