Lutheran Service Book ‎#536

536. One Thing's Needful

1 One thing’s needful; Lord, this treasure
Teach me highly to regard.
All else, though it first give pleasure,
Is a yoke that presses hard!
Beneath it the heart is still fretting and striving,
No true, lasting happiness ever deriving.
This one thing is needful; all others are vain--
I count all but loss that I Christ may obtain!

2 How were Mary’s thoughts devoted
Her eternal joy to find
As intent each word she noted
At her Savior’s feet reclined!
How kindled her heart, how devout was its feeling
While hearing the lessons that Christ was revealing!
All earthly concerns she forgot for her Lord
And found her contentment in hearing His Word.

3 Wisdom’s highest, noblest treasure,
Jesus, is revealed in You.
Let me find in You my pleasure,
And my wayward will subdue,
Humility there and simplicity reigning.
In paths of true wisdom my steps ever training.
If I learn from Jesus this knowledge divine,
The blessing of heavenly wisdom is mine.

4 Nothing have I, Christ, to offer,
You alone, my highest good.
Nothing have I, Lord, to proffer
But Your crimson-colored blood.
Your death on the cross has death wholly defeated
And thereby my righteousness fully completed;
Salvation's white raiments I there did obtain,
And in them in glory with You I shall reign.

5 Therefore You alone, my Savior,
Shall be all in all to me;
Search my heart and my behavior,
Root out all hypocrisy.
Through all my life’s pilgrimage, guard and uphold me,
In loving forgiveness, O Jesus, enfold me.
This one thing is needful; all others are vain--
I count all but loss that I Christ may obtain!

Text Information

• First Line: One thing's needful; Lord, this treasure
• Title: One Thing's Needful
• Author: Johann Heinrich Schröder, 1667-99
• Translator: Frances E. Cox, 1812-97
• Meter: 87 87 12 12 11 11
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2006
• Scripture:
  Luke 10:42
  ;
  Philippians 3:7-8
  ;
  Hebrews 9:14
  ;
  John 13:15-17
• Topic: Redeemer

Tune Information

• Name: EINS IST NOT
• Composer: Adam Krieger, 1634-66
• Meter: 87 87 12 12 11 11
• Key: D Major