Christian Hymns/Ah! Lord, How Shall I Meet Thee

Background

Text

• Author: Paul Gerhardt
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth
• Source: Chorale Book for England

Music

Hymn Tune(s):

• St. Theodulph
• Wie Soll Ich Dich Empfangen

Lyrics

Ah! Lord, how shall I meet Thee,

How welcome Thee aright?

All nations long to greet Thee,

My hope, my sole delight!

Brighten the lamp that burneth

But dimly in my breast,

And teach my soul, that yearneth

To honour such high guest.

Thy Zion strews before Thee

Her fairest buds and palms,

And I too will adore Thee

With sweetest songs and psalms;

My soul breaks forth in flowers

Rejoicing in Thy fame,

And summons all her powers

To honour Jesus' name.

Nought, nought, 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!

O ye sad hearts that sicken

With hope deferred, and see

The gloom around you thicken,

The joys ye hoped for flee,--

Despair not, He is near you,

Yea, at the very door,

Who best can help and cheer you,

He will not linger more.

Nor sin shall make you fearful,

Ashamed to see His face,

The contrite heart and tearful

He covers with His grace;

He comes to heal the spirit

That mourneth sin-oppressed,

And raise us to inherit

With Him our proper rest.

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 of cheering

And guide us safely home!