Voices Together ‎#639

639. Jesu, Joy of Our Desiring

1 Jesu, joy of our desiring,
holy wisdom, love most bright,
drawn by thee, our souls aspiring
soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
with the fire of life impassioned,
striving still to truth unknown,
soaring, dying round thy throne.

2 Through the way, where hope is guiding,
hark, what peaceful music rings,
where the flock, in thee confiding,
drink of joy from deathless springs.
Theirs is beauty’s fairest pleasure.
Theirs is wisdom’s holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead thine own
in the love of joys unknown.

Text Information

• First Line: Jesu, joy of our desiring
• Title: Jesu, Joy of Our Desiring
• Author: Martin Janus
• Translator and Paraphraser: Robert Bridges (1927)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.8.7.7
• Publication Date: 2020
• Scripture:
  Psalm 23
  ;
  Matthew 13:44-46
  ;
  John 10:1-18
  ;
  1 Corinthians 2:6-16
• Topic: Adoration; Union with Christ; Wisdom
• Source: “Jesu, meiner Seele Wonne,” Christlich Herzens Andach, 1665

Tune Information

• Name: WERDE MUNTER
• Composer: Johann Schop
• Harmonizer: J. S. Bach
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.8.7.7
• Key: G Major
• Source: Das Dritte Zehn, 1642; harm. J. S. Bach (present-day Germany), Cantata 147, Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, 1716
• Notes: Numbers in parentheses indicate measures of rest when Bach’s accompaniment is used.