Christian Worship (1993) ‎#117

117. O Dearest Jesus

1 O dearest Jesus, what law have you broken
That such sharp sentence should on you be spoken?
Of what great crime have you to make confession--
What dark transgression?

2 They crown your head with thorns, they smite, they scourge you;
With cruel mockings to the cross they urge you;
They give you gall to drink, they still decry you;
They crucify you.

3 Whence come these sorrows, whence this mortal anguish?
It is my sins for which you, Lord, must languish;
Yes, all the wrath, the woe that you inherit,
This I do merit.

4 What punishment so strange is suffered yonder!
The Shepherd dies for sheep that loved to wander;
The Master pays the debt his servants owe him,
Who would not know him.

5 [Copyrighted]

6 I'll think upon your mercy without ceasing,
That earth's vain joys to me no more be pleasing;
To do your will shall be my sole endeavor
Henceforth forever.

7 And when, dear Lord, before your throne in heaven
To me the crown of joy at last is given,
Where sweetest hymns your saints forever raise you,
I too shall praise you.

Text Information

• First Line: O dearest Jesus, what law have your broken
• Title: O Dearest Jesus
• Author: Johann Heermann, 1585-1647
• Translator (st. 1-4, 6-7): Catherine Winkworth, 1827-78 (alt.)
• Meter: 11 11 11 5
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Lent
• Source: Translation st. 5 The Lutheran Hymnal, St. Louis, 1941, alt.

Tune Information

• Name: HERZLIEBSTER JESU
• Composer: Johann Crüger, 1598-1662
• Meter: 11 11 11 5
• Key: g minor
• Copyright: Setting: © 1993 Kermit G. Moldenhauer. Used by permission.