Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church ‎#182

182. Deck thyself with joy and gladness

1 Deck thyself with joy and gladness,
Dwell no more, my soul, in sadness;
Let the daylight shine upon thee,
Put thy wedding garment on thee,
For the Lord of life unending
Unto thee His call is sending;
Come! for now the King most holy
Stoops to thee in likeness lowly.

2 Hasten, then, my soul, to meet Him,
Eagerly and gladly greet Him,
As without He standeth knocking,
Quickly thy soul’s gate unlocking,
Open wide the fast closed portal,
Saying to the Lord immortal,
"Come, and leave Thy servant never,
Dwell within my heart forever."

3 Now in faith I humbly ponder
Over the amazing wonder
That the Bread of life remaineth,
Though it countless souls sustaineth;
That with the blest wine of heaven,
Christ's own Blood to us is given.
O most glorious consolation,
Pledge and seal of my salvation!

4 Jesus, source of life and pleasure,
Truest Friend and dearest Treasure,
Thou from Whom all life outgoeth,
Thou from Whom my being floweth,
Humbly now I bow before Thee,
And in penitence adore Thee;
Worthily let me receive Thee,
Perfect peace and pardon give me.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Deck thyself with joy and gladness
• Translator: John Caspar Mattes (1913)
• Author st. 1, st. 2-4: Johann Franck (1649, 1653)
• Meter: L. M. D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: The Holy Communion

Tune Information

• Name: SCHMÜCKE DICH, O LIEBE SEELE
• Composer: Johann Crüger (1649)
• Meter: L. M. D.
• Key: E♭ Major