O LORD, HOW SHALL I MEET YOU?
"Came I forth to meet Thee, diligently to seek Thy face." Proverbs 7:15
Words: Paul Gerhardt, 1653; translated from German to English to
Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt.
Music: "Valet Will Ich Dir Geben," Melchior Teschner, 1613.
O Lord, how shall I meet You, how welcome you aright?
Your people long to greet You, my Hope, my heart's Delight!
O kindle, Lord most holy, a lamp within my breast,
To do in spirit lowly all that may please You best.
Love caused Your incarnation, love brought You down to me;
Your thirst for my salvation procured my liberty.
O love beyond all telling, that led you to embrace
In love all loves excelling our lost and fallen race.
A glorious crown You gave me, a treasure safe on high,
That will not fail nor leave me as earthly riches fly.
My heart shall bloom forever for You with praises new,
And from Your Name shall never withhold the honor due.