Complete Anglican Hymns Old and New ‎#146

146. Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness

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 heav'ns 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 mortal 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, which through my spirit floweth,
fount, which life and health bestowed,
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 heav'n receive me.

Text Information

• First Line: Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness
• Title: Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness
• Author: Johann Franck, 1618-1677
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878
• Meter: 88 88 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Scripture:
  John 6:31-58
  ;
  Psalm 78:24-25
• Topic: Communion; Holy Communion; Year B: Proper 13

Tune Information

• Name: SCHMÜCKE DICH
• Composer: Johann Crüger, 1598-1662
• Meter: 88 88 D
• Key: D Major