Evangelical Lutheran hymnal ‎#267

267. An awful mystery is here

1 An awful mystery is here
To challenge faith and waken fear;
The Savior comes as food divine,
Concealed in earthly bread and wine.

2 This world is loveless—but above,
What wondrous boundlessness of love!
The King of Glory stoops to me
My spirit’s life and strength to be.

3 In consecrated wine and bread
No eye perceives the myst'ry dread;
But Jesus’ word is strong and clear:
My body and my blood are here.

4 How dull are all the powers of sense
Employed on proofs of love immense!
The richest food remains unseen,
And highest gifts appear how mean!

5 But here we have no boon of earth,
And faith alone discerns its worth:
The word, not sense, must be our guide,
And faith assure, since sight’s denied.

6 Lord! show us still that Thou art good,
And grant us evermore this food;
Give faith to ev'ry wav'ring soul,
And make each wounded spirit whole.

Text Information

• First Line: An awful mystery is here
• Author: Rev. Matthias Loy, D. D. (1863)
• Meter: L. M. No. 1
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1908
• Topic: The Catechism: Holy Communion

Tune Information

• Name: FEDERAL STREET
• Composer: Henry Kemble Oliver (1832)
• Meter: L. M. No. 1
• Key: F Major