Service Book and Hymnal of the Lutheran Church in America ‎#294b

294b. Jesus Christ, my sure Defence

1 Jesus Christ, my sure Defence
And my Saviour, ever liveth;
Knowing this, my confidence
Rests upon the hope it giveth,
Though the night of death be fraught
Still with many an anxious thought.

2 Jesus, my Redeemer, lives!
I, too, unto life must waken;
He will have me where he is.
Shall my courage then, be shaken?
Shall I fear? Or could the Head
Rise and leave his members dead? A-men.

3 Nay, too closely am I bound
Unto him by hope for ever;
Faith's strong hand the rock hath found,
Grasped it, and will leave it never;
Not the ban of death can part
From its Lord the trusting heart.

4 Saviour, draw away our heart
Now from pleasures base and hollow,
Let us there with thee have part,
Here on earth thy footsteps follow.
Fix our hearts beyond the skies,
Whither we ourselves would rise.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Jesus Christ, my sure Defence
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth, 1829-78
• Author: Luise Henriette von Brandenburg (?), 1627 - 67
• Publication Date: 1958
• Topic: Sacraments and Rites: Burial of the Dead
• Notes: Two versions of the tune are given.

Tune Information

• Name: JESUS, MEINE ZUVERSICHT (RATISBON)
• Meter: 7 8, 7 8, 7 7.
• Key: C Major
• Source: Praxis Pietatis Melica, 1653