1 Lord, and whither shall we go?
Thou alone hast words of life!
In our stormy griefs below,
Who, but Thou, can heal the strife
Sin and sorrow round us being,
In life's vale while wandering?
2 Blessed Christ! embodied Word!
Thou alone art Life and Light:
Saints who have Thy truth preferred
Walk in peace, and worship right:
Thou alone to sin canst say,
"I am Love, the Living Way."
3 Sun of Grace, O ever shine
Round our paths, where'er they lead!
Midnight feels a ray divine
Breaking through the darkest need,
If we hear, when most dismayed,
"It is I, be not afraid!"
4 Pardon, peace, and purity,
Gifts without, and grace within,
Love and light which set us free
From the curse and chain of sin--
These, Emmanuel, Thou canst give,
While upon Thy words we live.
5 Not a want, Thou canst not fill;
Not a fear, Thou wilt not tame;
If, indeed, repentance will
Rest upon Thy glorious Name,
High o'er every guilt and grave
Shall Redemption's banner wave!
6 Saviour, be our Polar Star,
Shaded by no sinful night;
Shed upon us from afar
Living beams of holy light:
When we reach our radiant home,
We shall know the Way we come.
Source: Church Book: for the use of Evangelical Lutheran congregations #226