Evangelical Lutheran hymnal ‎#222

222. Dearest Jesus! we are here

1 Dearest Jesus! we are here,
On Thy tender grace relying,
See an infant child draw near,
With Thy good behest complying:
Children must to Christ be given,
For they are the heirs of heaven.

2 This assurance, night and morn,
In our ears re-echoes ever,
Who are not of water born
And the Spirit, pure are never,
Ne'er can claim the Savior's merit,
Ne'er His kingdom shall inherit.

3 Therefore hasten we to Thee,
From our arms the pledge be taken,
Show Thy mercy large and free,
Be this infant not forsaken,
May compassion, mild and tender,
Thine this child forever render.

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 the darkness into light,
Change Thy wrath to gracious favor,
Heal the serpent's cruel bite,
By this wonder-working laver;
Here let flow a Jordan river,
And from leprosy deliver.

6 Shepherd! not Thy Lamb protect,
Head! Thy member kindly make it,
Way of Heaven! its path direct,
Prince of Peace! to peace awake it,
Vine! O may this branch, believing,
Ever live, Thy life receiving!

7 Now into Thy heart we pour
Prayers that from our hearts proceeded;
May our sighings heavenward soar,
May our warm desires be heeded;
May the name which we have given
Be recorded high in heaven.

Text Information

• First Line: Dearest Jesus! we are here
• Author: Benjamin Schmolke (1709)
• Translator (sts. 1-3, 5-7): E. Cronenwett (1880)
• Translator (st. 4): M. Loy, D. D. (1880)
• Meter: No. 21
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1908
• Topic: The Catechism: Holy Baptism
• Notes: From the German text: Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, deinem Wort

Tune Information

• Name: NUREMBERG (Old) (Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier)
• Composer: Rudolph Ahle (1664)
• Key: A Major