Christian Worship ‎#645

645. One Thing's Needful

1 One thing’s needful; Lord, this treasure
teach me highly to regard.
All else, though it first give pleasure,
is a yoke that presses hard.
Beneath it the heart is still fretting and striving,
no true, lasting happiness ever deriving.
This one thing is needful; all others are vain—
I count all but loss that I Christ may obtain.

2 How were Mary’s thoughts devoted
her eternal joy to find
as intent each word she noted
at her Savior’s feet reclined!
How kindled her heart, how devout was its feeling
while hearing the lessons that Christ was revealing!
All earthly concerns she forgot for her Lord
and found her contentment in hearing his Word.

3 Wisdom’s highest, noblest treasure,
Jesus, is revealed in you.
Let me find in you my pleasure;
make my will and actions true,
humility there and simplicity reigning,
in paths of true wisdom my steps ever training.
If I learn from Jesus this knowledge divine,
the blessing of heavenly wisdom is mine.

Text Information

• First Line: One thing's needful; Lord, this treasure
• Title: One Thing's Needful
• Author: Johann H. Schröder, 1667-1699 (abr., adapt.)
• Translator: Frances E. Cox, 1812-1897 (alt.)
• Meter: 87 87 12 12 11 11
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2021
• Scripture:
  Luke 10:38-42
  ;
  1 Corinthians 1:24
  ;
  1 Corinthians 1:30
  ;
  Colossians 2:2-3
• Topic: Word of God
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: EINS IST NOT
• Composer: Friedrich L. C. Layriz, 1808-1859
• Meter: 87 87 12 12 11 11
• Key: C Major
• Source: Setting: The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.
• Copyright: Public Domain