Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary ‎#244

244. Dearest Jesus, We Are Here

1 Dearest Jesus, we are here,
Gladly Thy command obeying;
With this child we now draw near
In accord with Thine own saying
That of Thee it shall be given
As a child and heir of heaven.

2 Yea, Thy word is clear and plain,
And we would obey it duly:
"He who is not born again,
Heart and life renewing truly,
Born of water and the Spirit,
Can My kingdom not inherit."

3 Therefore hasten we to Thee,
In our arms this infant bearing;
Let us here Thy glory see,
Let this child, Thy mercy sharing,
In Thine arms be shielded ever,
Thine on earth and Thine forever.

4 Wash it, Jesus, in Thy blood,
From the sin-stain of its nature;
Let it rise from out this flood
Clothed in thee, a newborn creature;
May it, washed as Thou hast bidden,
In Thine innocence be hidden.

5 Turn its darkness into light,
To Thy grace receive and save it;
Heal the serpent's venomed bite
In the font where now we lave it;
Here let flow a Jordan river
And from leprous sin deliver.

6 Gracious Head, Thy member own;
Shepherd, take Thy lamb and feed it;
Prince of Peace, make here Thy throne;
Way of Life, to heaven lead it.
Precious Vine, let nothing sever
From Thy side this branch forever.

7 Now into Thy heart we pour
Prayers that from our hearts proceeded.
Our petitions heav'nward soar;
May our warm desires be heeded!
Write the name we now have given,
Write it in the book of heaven.

Text Information

• First Line: Dearest Jesus, we are here
• Title: Dearest Jesus, We Are Here
• German Title: Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier
• Author: B. Schmolck, 1672-1737
• Translator: C. Winkworth, 1827-78 (alt.)
• Meter: 78 78 88
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1996
• Topic: Baptism of Jesus

Tune Information

• Name: LIEBSTER JESU, WIR SIND HIER
• Composer: J. R. Ahle, 1625-73
• Meter: 78 78 88
• Key: G Major