Evangelical Lutheran hymnal ‎#96

96. We thank Thee , Jesus! dearest Friend

1 We thank Thee, Jesus! dearest Friend,
That Thou didst into heav'n ascend;
O blessed Savior! bid us live,
And strength to soul and body give.

2 Now His disciples all rejoice,
And sing His praise with cheerful voice:
Come, let us grateful off'rings bring,
Our Brother is our God and King.

3 Ascended to His throne on high,
He yet to us is always nigh;
True God and man He ever reigns,
And infinite in power remains.

4 Above the heav'ns in glory raised,
By angel hosts forever praised,
All creatures His dominion own,
He holds an everlasting throne.

5 He rules and reigns at God's right hand,
And has all power at His command,
All things are subject to His rod--
The Son of man and Son of God.

6 The world, and sin, and Satan fell
He overthrew, with death and hell;
Dispute who will His mighty reign,
He still the Victor must remain.

7 The man who trusts in Him is blest,
And finds in Him eternal rest;
This world's allurements we despise,
And fix on Christ alone our eyes.

8 He richest consolation gives,
Who once was dead but ever lives;
He captive led captivity,
From bitter death to set us free.

9 With deepest joy our voice we raise,
And sing our grateful song of praise;
Our Brother, our own flesh and bone,
Is God and King, our joy alone.

10 Through Him we heirs of heaven are made;
O Brother, Christ! extend Thine aid,
That we may ever trust in Thee,
And live by faith eternally.

11 Amen, amen, O Lord! we cry;
Do Thou, who art exalted high,
In Thy pure faith preserve our hearts,
And shield us from all Satan's darts.

12 Come, blessed Lord! to judgment come,
And take us to our glorious home,
That all our woes on earth may cease,
And we may dwell in heavenly peace.

13 A glad Amen shall close our song,
Our souls for rest in glory long,
Where we with angel-hosts again
Shall sing in nobler strains Amen!

Text Information

• First Line: We thank Thee , Jesus! dearest Friend
• Author: Nicolaus Selnecker (1572)
• Translator: Rev. Matthias Loy, D. D. (1880)
• Meter: L. M. No. 1
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1908
• Topic: The Church Year: Ascension; Ascension Day
• Notes: From the German text: Wir danken dir, herr Jesu Christ

Tune Information

• Name: MIGDOL
• Composer: Lowell Mason, Mus. Doc. (1840)
• Meter: L. M. No. 1
• Key: A Major