An awful mystery is here

Representative Text

1 An awe-full 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 pow'rs 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 every wavering soul
And make each wounded spirit whole.

Amen.



Source: The Lutheran Hymnal #304

Author: Matthias Loy

Loy, M., President of the Capital University, Columbus, Ohio, contributed several original hymns, and translations from the German, to the Evangelical Lutheran Hymnal. Published by Order of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and Other States. Columbus, Ohio, 1880. The translations may be found through the Index of Authors, &c.; the original hymns are the following:— 1. An awful mystery is here. Holy Communion. 2. At Jesus' feet our infant sweet. Holy Baptism. 3. Come, humble soul, receive the food. Holy Communion. 4. Give me, 0 Lord, a spirit lowly. Humility desired. 5. God gave His word to holy men. Inspiration of Holy Scripture. 6. God of grace, Whose word is sure. Faithfulness. 7. How matchless is… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: An awful mystery is here
Original Language: German
Author: Matthias Loy
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

Tune

ST. CRISPIN

Composed by George J. Elvey (PHH 48) in 1862 for 'Just as I Am, without One Plea" (263), ST. CRISPIN was first published in the 1863 edition of Edward Thorne's Selection of Psalm and Hymn Tunes. The tune title honors a third-century Roman martyr, Crispin, who, along with Crispinian, preached in Gaul…

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FEDERAL STREET

Henry Kemble Oliver (b. Beverly, MA, 1800; d. Salem, MA, 1885) composed FEDERAL STREET in 1832, possibly as an imitation of earlier psalm tunes in long meter. He took it to a music class taught by Lowell Mason (who may have contributed to the harmony); Mason (PHH 96) published it in his Boston Acade…

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Timeline

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The Cyber Hymnal #329
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The Cyber Hymnal #329

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