Author: Benjamin Schmolk Appears in 121 hymnals Lyrics: 1 Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness,
Leave the gloomy haunts of sadness,
Come into the day-light's splendor,
There with joy thy praises render
Unto Him, whose grace unbounded
Hath this wondrous banquet founded;
High o'er all the earth He reigneth,
Yet to dwell with thee He deigneth.
2 Hasten as a bride to meet Him,
And with loving reverence greet Him,
For with words of life immortal
Now He knocketh at thy portal;
Open wide the gates before Him,
Saying, while thou dost adore Him,
"Suffer, Lord, that I receive Thee,
And I nevermore will leave Thee."
3 He who costly goods desireth
To obtain, much gold requireth;
But to freely give the treasure
Of Thy love is Thy good pleasure,
For on earth there is no coffer
Which as payment we might offer
For this cup Thy blood containing,
And this manna on us raining.
4 Ah! how hungers all my spirit
For the love I do not merit!
Oft have I, with sighs fast thronging,
Thought upon this food with longing;
In the battle, well-nigh worsted,
For this cup of life have thirsted,
For the Friend who here invites us
And to God Himself unites us.
5 Sun, who all my life dost brighten,
Light, who dost my soul enlighten,
Joy, the sweetest man e'er knoweth,
Fount, whence all my being floweth,
At Thy feet I cry, my Maker,
Let me be a fit partaker
Of this blessed food from heaven,
For our good, Thy glory, given.
6 Lord, Thy fervent love hath driven
Thee to leave Thy throne in heaven,
For us on the cross to languish,
And to die in bitter anguish,
To forgo all joy and gladness,
And to shed Thy blood in sadness,
Which we drink now; grant that never
We forget Thy love, dear Saviour!
7 Jesus, Bread of Life, I pray Thee,
Let me gladly here obey Thee;
By Thy love I am invited,
Be Thy love with love requited;
From this banquet let me measure,
Lord, how vast and deep love's treasure;
Through the gifts Thou here dost give me
As Thy guest in heaven receive me.
Amen.
Deck Thyself, My Soul, with Gladness
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