Ways Lutheran Hymns Train for Martyrdom Hymn List
This is the list of hymns Fr. Karl Hess compiled for the podcast episode on hymns for training martyrs for the prize TGC 352 — Tunes of Triumph (https://www.gottesdienst.org/podcast/2024/1/24/tgc-352-tunes-of-triumph).
Ways Lutheran Hymns Train for Martyrdom
1. Calls to War
656 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
1 A mighty fortress is our God,
A trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from ev’ry need
That hath us now o’ertaken.
The old evil foe
Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight;
On earth is not his equal.
2 With might of ours can naught be done,
Soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the valiant One,
Whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, Who is this?
Jesus Christ it is,
Of Sabaoth Lord,
And there’s none other God;
He holds the field forever.
3 Though devils all the world should fill,
All eager to devour us,
We tremble not, we fear no ill;
They shall not overpow’r us.
This world’s prince may still
Scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none.
He’s judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.
4 The Word they still shall let remain
Nor any thanks have for it;
He’s by our side upon the plain
With His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life,
Goods, fame, child, and wife,
Though these all be gone,
Our vict’ry has been won;
The Kingdom ours remaineth.
Text: tr. composite; Martin Luther, 1483–1546
Text: Public domain
WH 274 Gerhardt “My God, My Works and all I do.”, St. 13-16
13. Draw near, and let that easy be
Which seems impossible to me,
A happy issue giving
To what Thou didst Thyself begin
All through Thine own conceiving.
14. Though hard at first the work may be,
And I must tread the deepest sea
Of bitter grief and sorrow,
Oh, may I only driven be
To sighs and pray’rs each morrow.
15. Whoever prays and trusts in Thee,
With valiant heart shall victor be
Oe’r all that else dismayed him;
In thousand pieces soon shall break
The stone of grief that weighed him.
16. The way to good is almost wild,
And high with thorns and hedges piled;
And he who bears the sadness
Lord, by Thy Spirit, comes at last
To realms of bliss and gladness.
604 I Bind unto Myself Today
1 I bind unto myself today
The strong name of the Trinity
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
2 I bind this day to me forever,
By pow’r of faith, Christ’s incarnation,
His Baptism in the Jordan River,
His cross of death for my salvation,
His bursting from the spicèd tomb,
His riding up the heav’nly way,
His coming at the day of doom,
I bind unto myself today.
3 I bind unto myself today
The pow’r of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, His might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need,
The wisdom of my God to teach,
His hand to guide, His shield to ward,
The Word of God to give me speech,
His heav’nly host to be my guard.
4 Against the demon snares of sin,
The vice that gives temptation force,
The natural lusts that war within,
The hostile foes that mar my course;
Or few or many, far or nigh,
In ev’ry place and in all hours,
Against their fierce hostility,
I bind to me those holy pow’rs.
5 I bind unto myself the name,
The strong name of the Trinity
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three,
Of whom all nature has creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word.
Praise to the Lord of my salvation;
Salvation is of Christ the Lord!
Text: attr. Patrick, c. 372–466; tr. Cecil F. Alexander, 1818–95
Text: Public domain
TLH 298 Baptized into Thy Name Most Holy
Rambach, 1734
1. Baptized into Thy name most holy,
O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
I claim a place, though weak and lowly,
Among Thy seed, Thy chosen host.
Buried with Christ and dead to sin,
Thy Spirit now shall live within.
2. My loving Father, Thou dost take me
To be henceforth Thy child and heir;
My faithful Savior, Thou dost make me
The fruit of all Thy sorrows share;
Thou, Holy Ghost, wilt keep comfort me
When darkest clouds around I see.
3. And I have vowed to fear and love Thee
And to obey Thee, Lord, alone;
Because the Holy Ghost did move me,
I dared to pledge myself Thine own,
Renouncing sin to keep the faith
And war with evil unto death.
4. My faithful God, Thou failest never,
Thy covenant surely will abide;
Oh, cast me not away forever
Should I transgress it on my side!
Tho’ I have oft my soul defiled,
Do thou forgive, restore, Thy child.
5. Yea, all I am and love most dearly
I offer now, O Lord, to Thee.
Oh, let me make my vows sincerely
And help me Thine own child to be!
Let naught within me, naught I own,
Serve any will but Thine alone.
6. And never let my purpose falter,
O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
But keep me faithful to Thine altar
Till Thou shalt call me from my post.
So unto Thee I live and die
And praise Thee evermore on high.
647 Lord Jesus Christ, the Church’s Head
4 And for Your Gospel let us dare
To sacrifice all treasure;
Teach us to bear Your blessèd cross,
To find in You all pleasure.
O grant us steadfastness
In joy and distress,
Lest we, Lord, You forsake.
Let us by grace partake
Of endless joy and gladness.
Text: Johann Mentzer, 1658–1734; tr. William J. Schaefer, 1891–1976, alt.
Text: © 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110004686
668 Rise! To Arms! With Prayer Employ You
1 Rise! To arms! With prayer employ you,
O Christians, lest the foe destroy you;
For Satan has designed your fall.
Wield God’s Word, the weapon glorious;
Against all foes be thus victorious,
For God protects you from them all.
Fear not the hordes of hell,
Here is Emmanuel.
Hail the Savior!
The strong foes yield
To Christ, our shield,
And we, the victors, hold the field.
2 Cast afar this world’s vain pleasure
And boldly strive for heav’nly treasure.
Be steadfast in the Savior’s might.
Trust the Lord, who stands beside you,
For Jesus from all harm will hide you.
By faith you conquer in the fight.
Take courage, weary soul!
Look forward to the goal!
Joy awaits you.
The race well run,
Your long war won,
Your crown shines splendid as the sun.
3 Wisely fight, for time is fleeting;
The hours of grace are fast retreating;
Short, short is this our earthly way.
When the Lord the dead will waken
And sinners all by fear are shaken,
The saints with joy will greet that day.
Praise God, our triumph’s sure.
We need not long endure
Scorn and trial.
Our Savior King
His own will bring
To that great glory which we sing.
Text: Wilhelm Erasmus Arends, 1677–1721; tr. John M. Sloan, 1835–after 1890, alt.
Text: Public domain
716 I Walk in Danger All the Way
2 I pass through trials all the way,
With sin and ills contending;
In patience I must bear each day
The cross of God’s own sending.
When in adversity
I know not where to flee,
When storms of woe my soul dismay,
I pass through trials all the way.
4 I walk with angels all the way,
They shield me and befriend me;
All Satan’s pow’r is held at bay
When heav’nly hosts attend me;
They are my sure defense,
All fear and sorrow, hence!
Unharmed by foes, do what they may,
I walk with angels all the way.
5 I walk with Jesus all the way,
His guidance never fails me;
Within His wounds I find a stay
When Satan’s pow’r assails me;
And by His footsteps led,
My path I safely tread.
No evil leads my soul astray;
I walk with Jesus all the way.
6 My walk is heav’nward all the way;
Await, my soul, the morrow,
When God’s good healing shall allay
All suff’ring, sin, and sorrow.
Then, worldly pomp, begone!
To heav’n I now press on.
For all the world I would not stay;
My walk is heav’nward all the way.
Text: Hans Adolf Brorson, 1694–1764; tr. Ditlef G. Ristad, 1863–1938, alt.
Text: Public domain
497 Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord
3 Come, holy Fire, comfort true,
Grant us the will Your work to do
And in Your service to abide;
Let trials turn us not aside.
Lord, by Your pow’r prepare each heart,
And to our weakness strength impart
That bravely here we may contend,
Through life and death to You, our Lord, ascend.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Text: tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.; (st. 1): German, 15th cent.; (sts. 2–3): Martin Luther, 1483–1546
Text: © 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110004686
TLH 512 O Christ our True and Only Light (LSB 839)
Johann Heermann, 1630
4. Oh, make the deaf to hear Thy Word
And teach the dumb to speak, dear Lord,
Who dare not yet the faith avow,
Though secretly they hold it now.
5. Shine on the darkened and the cold,
Recall the wand’rers to Thy fold,
Unite all those who walk apart,
Confirm the weak and doubting heart.
TLH 292 “Lord Jesus Christ, with Us Abide” (N. Selnecker, 1611)
3. Lord Jesus, help, Thy Church uphold,
For we are sluggish, thoughtless, cold,
Oh prosper well Thy Word of grace
And spread its truth in every place!
8. A trusty weapon is Thy Word,
Thy Church’s buckler, shield, and sword.
Oh, let us in its power confide
That we may seek no other guide!
2. Meditation on Christ’s Passion/ The Example of Christ
TLH 144 Jesus, Grant that Balm and Healing
Johann Heermann, 1644
1 Jesus, grant that balm and healing
In Thy holy wounds I find,
Ev’ry hour that I am feeling
Pains of body and of mind.
Should some evil thought within
Tempt my treach’rous heart to sin,
Show the peril, and from sinning
Keep me ere its first beginning.
2 Should some lust or sharp temptation
Prove too strong for flesh and blood,
Let me think upon Thy Passion,
And the breach is soon made good.
Or should Satan press me hard,
Let me then be on my guard,
Saying, “Christ for me was wounded,”
That the Tempter flee confounded.
3 If the world my heart entices
On the broad and easy road
With its mirth and luring vices,
Let me think upon the load
Thou didst carry and endure
That I flee all thoughts impure,
Banishing each wild emotion,
Calm and blest in my devotion.
4 Ev’ry wound that pains or grieves me,
By Thy stripes, Lord, is made whole;
When I’m faith, Thy Cross revives me,
Granting new life to my soul.
Yea, Thy comfort renders sweet
Ev’ry bitter cup I meet;
For Thy all-atoning Passion
Has procured my soul’s salvation.
5 O my God, my Rock and Tower,
Grant that in Thy death I trust,
Knowing Death has lost his power
Since Thou trodd’st him in the dust.
Savior, let Thine agony
Ever help and comfort me;
When I die, be my Protection,
Light and lIfe and Resurrection.
688 “Come, Follow Me,” the Savior Spake
1 “Come, follow Me,” the Savior spake,
“All in My way abiding;
Deny yourselves, the world forsake,
Obey My call and guiding.
O bear the cross, whate’er betide,
Take My example for your guide.
2 “I am the light, I light the way,
A godly life displaying;
I bid you walk as in the day;
I keep your feet from straying.
I am the way, and well I show
How you must sojourn here below.
3 “My heart abounds in lowliness,
My soul with love is glowing;
And gracious words My lips express,
With meekness overflowing.
My heart, My mind, My strength, My all,
To God I yield, on Him I call.
4 “I teach you how to shun and flee
What harms your soul’s salvation,
Your heart from ev’ry guile to free,
From sin and its temptation.
I am the refuge of the soul
And lead you to your heav’nly goal.”
WH 280 Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake
5. But if too hot you find the fray,
I at your side stand ready
I fight Myself, I lead the way,
At all times firm and steady.
A coward he who will not heed
When the chief Captain takes the lead.
6. Who seeks to find his soul’s welfare
Without Me, he shall lose it;
But who to lose it may appear
In God shall introduce it.
Who bears no cross nor follows hard
Deserves not Me nor My reward.
5 Then let us follow Christ, our Lord,
And take the cross appointed
And, firmly clinging to His Word,
In suff’ring be undaunted.
For those who bear the battle’s strain
The crown of heav’nly life obtain.
Text: tr. Charles W. Schaeffer, 1813–96; (sts. 1–3, 5): Johann Scheffler, 1624–77; (st. 4): Geistliche Lieder und Lobgesänge, 1695
Text: Public domain
332 Savior of the Nations, Come, sts. 4–5
4 Then stepped forth the Lord of all
From His pure and kingly hall;
God of God, yet fully man,
His heroic course began.
5 God the Father was His source,
Back to God He ran His course.
Into hell His road went down,
Back then to His throne and crown.
Text: attr. Ambrose of Milan, 340–397; German version, Martin Luther, 1483–1546; tr. F. Samuel Janzow, 1913–2001
Text: © 1978 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110004686
436 Go to Dark Gethsemane
1 Go to dark Gethsemane,
All who feel the tempter’s pow’r;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see,
Watch with Him one bitter hour;
Turn not from His griefs away;
Learn from Jesus Christ to pray.
2 Follow to the judgment hall,
View the Lord of life arraigned;
Oh, the wormwood and the gall!
Oh, the pangs His soul sustained!
Shun not suff’ring, shame, or loss;
Learn from Him to bear the cross.
3 Calv’ry’s mournful mountain climb;
There, adoring at His feet,
Mark that miracle of time,
God’s own sacrifice complete.
“It is finished!” hear Him cry;
Learn from Jesus Christ to die.
4 Early hasten to the tomb
Where they laid His breathless clay;
All is solitude and gloom.
Who has taken Him away?
Christ is ris’n! He meets our eyes.
Savior, teach us so to rise.
Text: James Montgomery, 1771–1854
Text: Public domain
685 Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus
1 Let us ever walk with Jesus,
Follow His example pure,
Through a world that would deceive us
And to sin our spirits lure.
Onward in His footsteps treading,
Pilgrims here, our home above,
Full of faith and hope and love,
Let us do the Father’s bidding.
Faithful Lord, with me abide;
I shall follow where You guide.
2 Let us suffer here with Jesus
And with patience bear our cross.
Joy will follow all our sadness;
Where He is, there is no loss.
Though today we sow no laughter,
We shall reap celestial joy;
All discomforts that annoy
Shall give way to mirth hereafter.
Jesus, here I share Your woe;
Help me there Your joy to know.
3 Let us gladly die with Jesus.
Since by death He conquered death,
He will free us from destruction,
Give to us immortal breath.
Let us mortify all passion
That would lead us into sin;
And the grave that shuts us in
Shall but prove the gate to heaven.
Jesus, here with You I die,
There to live with You on high.
4 Let us also live with Jesus.
He has risen from the dead
That to life we may awaken.
Jesus, You are now our head.
We are Your own living members;
Where You live, there we shall be
In Your presence constantly,
Living there with You forever.
Jesus, let me faithful be,
Life eternal grant to me.
Text: Sigismund von Birken, 1626–81; tr. Lutheran Book of Worship, 1978, alt.
Text: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110004686
450 O Sacred Head, Now Wounded, sts. 5–7
5 What language shall I borrow
To thank Thee, dearest Friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow,
Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever!
And should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never,
Outlive my love for Thee.
6 My Savior, be Thou near me
When death is at my door;
Then let Thy presence cheer me,
Forsake me nevermore!
When soul and body languish,
O leave me not alone,
But take away mine anguish
By virtue of Thine own!
7 Be Thou my consolation,
My shield, when I must die;
Remind me of Thy passion
When my last hour draws nigh.
Mine eyes shall then behold Thee,
Upon Thy cross shall dwell,
My heart by faith enfold Thee.
Who dieth thus dies well.
Text: attr. Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091–1153; German version, Paul Gerhardt, 1607–76; tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.
Text: © 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110004686
453 Upon the Cross Extended, sts. 6–7
6 Your cords of love, my Savior,
Bind me to You forever,
I am no longer mine.
To You I gladly tender
All that my life can render
And all I have to You resign.
7 Your cross I place before me;
Its saving pow’r restore me,
Sustain me in the test.
It will, when life is ending,
Be guiding and attending
My way to Your eternal rest.
Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607–76; tr. John Kelly, 1833–90, alt.
Text: Public domain
WH 89 Upon the Cross Extended — Gerhardt, tr. Kelly.
10. Not much can I be giving
In this poor life I’m living,
But one thing will I do:
Thy death and sorrows ever,
Till soul from body sever,
Keep in my heart’s remembrance new.
11. Thy cross I’ll place before me,
It’s saving power be o’er me,
Wherever I may be;
Thine innocence revealing,
Thy love and mercy sealing,
The pledge of truth and constancy.
15. I’ll take Thy cross in measure,
Renouncing every pleasure
For which my passions sigh;
Thy cause in me for grieving
I’ll flee, forever leaving,
As much as in my strength doth lie.
3. Meditation on the Treasure of Jesus/ The Comfort of Christ
WH 73 “A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth”
Paul Gerhardt
7. Enlarge, my heart’s own shrine, and swell,
To thee shall now be given
A treasure that doth far excel
The worth of earth and heaven.
Away with the Arabian gold,
With treasures of an earthly mold!
I’ve found a better jewel.
My priceless treasure, Lord, my God,
Is Thy most holy, precious blood,
Which flowed from wounds so cruel.
8. This treasure ever I’ll employ
This every aid shall yield me;
In sorrow it shall be my joy,
In conflict it shall shield me;
In joy, the music of my feast,
And when all else has lost its zest,
This manna still shall feed me;
In thirst my drink; in want my food;
My company in solitude,
To comfort and to lead me.
9. Of death I am no more afraid,
New life from Thee is flowing;
Thy cross affords me cooling shade
When noonday’s sun is glowing.
When by my grief I am oppressed,
On Thee my weary soul shall rest
Serenely as on pillows.
Thou art my Anchor when by woe
My bark is driven to and fro
On trouble’s surging billows.
743 Jesus, Priceless Treasure
1 Jesus, priceless treasure,
Fount of purest pleasure,
Truest friend to me,
Ah, how long in anguish
Shall my spirit languish,
Yearning, Lord, for Thee?
Thou art mine,
O Lamb divine!
I will suffer naught to hide Thee;
Naught I ask beside Thee.
2 In Thine arms I rest me;
Foes who would molest me
Cannot reach me here.
Though the earth be shaking,
Ev’ry heart be quaking,
Jesus calms my fear.
Lightnings flash
And thunders crash;
Yet, though sin and hell assail me,
Jesus will not fail me.
3 Satan, I defy thee;
Death, I now decry thee;
Fear, I bid thee cease.
World, thou shalt not harm me
Nor thy threats alarm me
While I sing of peace.
God’s great pow’r
Guards ev’ry hour;
Earth and all its depths adore Him,
Silent bow before Him.
4 Hence, all earthly treasure!
Jesus is my pleasure,
Jesus is my choice.
Hence, all empty glory!
Naught to me thy story
Told with tempting voice.
Pain or loss,
Or shame or cross,
Shall not from my Savior move me
Since He deigns to love me.
5 Evil world, I leave thee;
Thou canst not deceive me,
Thine appeal is vain.
Sin that once did blind me,
Get thee far behind me,
Come not forth again.
Past thy hour,
O pride and pow’r;
Sinful life, thy bonds I sever,
Leave thee now forever.
6 Hence, all fear and sadness!
For the Lord of gladness,
Jesus, enters in.
Those who love the Father,
Though the storms may gather,
Still have peace within.
Yea, whate’er
I here must bear,
Thou art still my purest pleasure,
Jesus, priceless treasure!
Text: Johann Franck, 1618–77; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.
Text: Public domain
559 Oh, How Great Is Your Compassion, sts. 3–4
3 Firmly to our soul’s salvation
Witnesses Your Spirit, Lord,
In Your Sacraments and Word.
There He sends true consolation,
Giving us the gift of faith
That we fear not hell nor death.
4 Lord, Your mercy will not leave me;
Ever will Your truth abide.
Then in You I will confide.
Since Your Word cannot deceive me,
My salvation is to me
Safe and sure eternally.
Text: Johann Olearius, 1611–84; tr. August Crull, 1845–1923, alt.
Text: Public domain
633 At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing, sts. 5–7
5 Mighty Victim from the sky,
Hell’s fierce pow’rs beneath You lie;
You have conquered in the fight,
You have brought us life and light.
Alleluia!
6 Now no more can death appall,
Now no more the grave enthrall;
You have opened paradise,
And Your saints in You shall rise.
Alleluia!
7 Easter triumph, Easter joy!
This alone can sin destroy;
From sin’s pow’r, Lord, set us free,
Newborn souls in You to be.
Alleluia!
Text: Latin, c. 5th–10th cent.; tr. Robert Campbell, 1814–68, alt.
Text: Public domain
730 What Is the World to Me (WH 285)
G. M. Pfefferkorn, 1667
1. What is the world to me
With all its vaunted pleasure
When Thou, and thou alone,
Lord Jesus, art my Treasure!
Thou only, dearest Lord,
My soul’s Delight shalt be;
Thou art my Peace, my Rest,--
What is the world to me!
2. The world is like a cloud
And like a vapor fleeting,
A shadow that declines,
Swift to its end retreating.
My Jesus doth abide,
Though all things fade and flee;
My everlasting Rock,--
What is the world to me!
5. The world is sorely grieved
Whenever it is slighted
Or when its hollow fame
And honor have been blighted.
Christ, Thy reproach I bear
Long as it pleaseth Thee;
I’m honored by my Lord,--
What is the world to me!
6. The world with wanton pride
Exalts its sinful pleasures
And for them foolishly
Gives up the heav’nly treasures.
Let others love the world
With all its vanity;
I love the Lord, my God,--
What is the world to me!
7. The world abideth not;
Lo, like aflash ‘twill vanish;
With all its gorgeous pomp
Pale death it cannot banish;
Its riches pass away,
And all its joys must flee;
But Jesus doth abide,--
What is the world to me!
TLH 138 Thou Light of Gentile Nations
Presentation Hymn
Johann Franck, 1674
1 Thou Light of Gentile nations,
Thou Savior from above,
Drawn by Thy Spirit’s leading,
We come with joy and love
Into Thy holy temple
And wait with earnest mind
As Simeon once had waited
His God and Lord to find.
2 Yea, Lord, thy servants meet Thee
In ev’ry holy place
Where Thy true Word has promised
That we should see Thy face.
Today Thou still dost grant us
Who gather round Thee here
In arms of faith to bear Thee
As did that aged seer.
3 Be Thou our Joy and Brightness,
Our cheer in pain and loss,
Our Sun in darkest terror,
The glory round our cross,
A star for sinking spirits,
A beacon in distress,
Physician, Friend in sickness,
In death our Happiness.
4 Let us, O Lord, be faithful
Like Simeon to the end,
So that his prayer exultant
May from our hearts ascend:
“O Lord, now let Thy servant
Depart in peace I pray,
Since I have seen my Savior
And here beheld His day.”
5 My Savior, I behold Thee
With faith’s enlightened eye;
Of Thee no foe can rob me,
His threats I can defy.
Within Thy heart abiding,
As Thou, O Lord, in me,
Death can no longer frighten
Nor part my soul from Thee.
6 Lord, here on earth Thou seemest
At times to frown on me,
And through my tears I often
Can scarce distinguish Thee;
But in the heavenly mansions
Shall nothing dim my sight;
There shall I see Thy glory
In never-changing light.
4. The Resurrection of Christ
490 Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won, sts. 4–5
4 Jesus lives! I know full well
Nothing me from Him shall sever.
Neither death nor pow’rs of hell
Part me now from Christ forever.
God will be my sure defense;
This shall be my confidence.
5 Jesus lives! And now is death
But the gate of life immortal;
This shall calm my trembling breath
When I pass its gloomy portal.
Faith shall cry, as fails each sense:
Jesus is my confidence!
Text: Christian Fürchtegott Gellert, 1715–69; tr. Frances E. Cox, 1812–97, alt.
Text: Public domain
480 He’s Risen, He’s Risen, st. 4
4 O, where is your sting, death? We fear you no more;
Christ rose, and now open is fair Eden’s door.
For all our transgressions His blood does atone;
Redeemed and forgiven, we now are His own.
Text: C. F. W. Walther, 1811–87, abr.; tr. Anna M. Meyer, 1867–1941, alt.
Text: © 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110004686
467 Awake, My Heart, with Gladness, sts. 3–7
3 This is a sight that gladdens—
What peace it doth impart!
Now nothing ever saddens
The joy within my heart.
No gloom shall ever shake,
No foe shall ever take
The hope which God’s own Son
In love for me has won.
4 Now hell, its prince, the devil,
Of all their pow’r are shorn;
Now I am safe from evil,
And sin I laugh to scorn.
Grim death with all its might
Cannot my soul affright;
It is a pow’rless form,
Howe’er it rave and storm.
5 The world against me rages,
Its fury I disdain;
Though bitter war it wages,
Its work is all in vain.
My heart from care is free,
No trouble troubles me.
Misfortune now is play,
And night is bright as day.
6 Now I will cling forever
To Christ, my Savior true;
My Lord will leave me never,
Whate’er He passes through.
He rends death’s iron chain;
He breaks through sin and pain;
He shatters hell’s grim thrall;
I follow Him through all.
7 He brings me to the portal
That leads to bliss untold,
Whereon this rhyme immortal
Is found in script of gold:
“Who there My cross has shared
Finds here a crown prepared;
Who there with Me has died
Shall here be glorified.”
Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607–76; tr. John Kelly, 1833–90, alt.
Text: Public domain
WH 97 Awake My Heart with Gladness
3. Upon the tomb is standing
The Hero, looking round;
The foe, his crafts unhanding,
Lies beaten on the ground
And must his hellish pow’r
To Christ deliver o’er,
And to the Victor’s bands
Must yield his feet and hands.
8. To halls of heav’nly splendor
With Him I penetrate;
And trouble ne’er may hinder
Nor make me hesitate.
Let tempests rage at will,
My Savior shields me still;
He grants abiding peace
And bids all tumult cease.
5. Preparation for Death
WH 375 Why should cross and trial grieve me
Gerhardt
6. Though united world and devil,
All their pow’r/ Can no more
Do than mock and cavil.
Let derision now employ them,
Christ e’en here/ Will appear
And in full destroy them.
7. Hopeful, cheerful, and undaunted
Everywhere/ They appear
Who in Christ are planted.
Death itself cannot appall them,
They rejoice/ When the voice
Of their Lord doth call them.
8. Death cannot destroy forever;
From our fears,/ Cares and tears
It will us deliver.
It will close life’s mournful story,
Make a way/ That we may
Enter heavenly glory.
9. There I’ll reap enduring pleasure,
After woe/ Here below
Suffered in large measure.
Lasting good we find here never,
All the earth/ Deemeth worth
Vanisheth forever.
10. What is all this life possesses?
But a hand/ Full of sand
That the heart distresses.
Noble gifts that pall me never
Christ, our Lord, / Will accord
To His saints forever.
11. Lord, my Shepherd, take me to Thee.
Thou art mine; / I was Thine
Even ere I knew Thee.
I am Thine, for Thou hast bought me;
Lost I stood, / But Thy blood
Free salvation bought me.
TLH 585 I fall asleep in Jesus’ wounds
Paul Eber, 1569
1. I fall asleep in Jesus’ wounds,
There pardon for my sins abounds;
Yea, Jesus’ blood and righteousness
My jewels are my glorious dress.
In these before my God I’ll stand
When I shall reach the heavenly land.
2. With peace and joy I now depart;
God’s child I am with all my heart.
I thank thee, Death thou leadest me
To that true life where I would be.
So cleansed by Christ, I fear not death.
Lord Jesus , strengthen Thou my faith.
TLH 586 A Pilgrim and a Stranger
Paul Gerhardt, 1666
1. A pilgrim and a stranger,
I journey here below;
Far distant is my country,
The home to which I go.
Here I must toil and travail,
Oft weary and opprest;
But there my God shall lead me
To everlasting rest.
2. I’ve met with storms and danger
E’en from my early years,
With enemies and conflicts,
With fightings and with fears.
There’s nothing here that tempts me
To wish a longer stay,
So I must hasten forward,
No halting or delay.
3. It is a well-worn pathway;
A host has gone before,
The holy saints and prophets,
The patriarchs of yore.
They trod the toilsome journey
In patience and in faith;
And them I fain would follow,
Like them in life and death.
4. Who would share Abraham’s blessing,
Must Abraham’s path pursue,
A stranger and a pilgrim,
Like him, must journey through.
The foes must be encountered,
The dangers must be passed;
A faithful soldier only
Receives the crown at last.
5. So I must hasten forward—
Thank God, the end will come!
This land of passing shadows
Is not my destined home.
The everlasting city,
Jerusalem above,
This evermore abideth,
The home of light and love.
6. There still my thoughts are dwelling,
“Tis there I long to be;
Come, Lord, and call Thy servant
To blessedness with Thee.
Come, bid my toils be ended,
Let all my wanderings cease;
Call from the wayside lodging
To Thy sweet home of peace.
7. There I shall dwell forever,
No more a parting guest,
With all Thy blood-bought children
In everlasting rest,
The pilgrim toils forgotten,
The pilgrim conflicts o’er,
All earthly griefs behind me,
Eternal joys before.
938 In Peace and Joy I Now Depart
1 In peace and joy I now depart
Since God so wills it.
Serene and confident my heart;
Stillness fills it.
For the Lord has promised me
That death is but a slumber.
2 Christ Jesus brought this gift to me,
My faithful Savior,
Whom You have made my eyes to see
By Your favor.
Now I know He is my life,
My friend when I am dying.
Text: Martin Luther, 1483–1546; (st. 1): tr. F. Samuel Janzow, 1913–2001, alt.; (sts. 2–4): tr. Christian Worship, 1993, alt.
Text (st. 1): © 1979 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110004686
Text (sts. 2–4): Public domain
679 Oh, How Blest Are They
1 Oh, how blest are they whose toils are ended,
Who through death have unto God ascended!
They have arisen
From the cares which keep us still in prison.
2 We are still as in a dungeon living,
Still oppressed with sorrow and misgiving;
Our undertakings
Are but toils and troubles and heartbreakings.
3 They meanwhile are in their chambers sleeping,
Quiet and set free from all their weeping;
No cross or sadness
There can hinder their untroubled gladness.
4 Christ has wiped away their tears forever;
They have that for which we still endeavor.
By them are chanted
Songs that ne’er to mortal ears were granted.
5 Come, O Christ, and loose the chains that bind us;
Lead us forth and cast this world behind us.
With You, the_Anointed,
Finds the soul its joy and rest appointed.
Text: Simon Dach, 1605–59; tr. Henry W. Longfellow, 1807–92, alt.
Text: Public domain
TLH 598 Who knows when Death may overtake me (LSB 598)
Amilie Juliane von Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, 1686
1. Who knows when death may overtake me!
Time passes on, my end draws near.
How swiftly can my breath forsake me!
How soon can life’s last hour appear!
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.
2 The world that smiled when morn was breaking
May chage for me ere close of day
For while on earth my home I’m making
Death’s threat is never far away.
My God for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.
3. My end to ponder teach me ever
And, ere the hour of death appears,
To cast my soul on Christ, my Savior,
Nor spare repentant sighs and tears.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.
4. Help me now set my house in order
That always ready I may be
To say in meekness on death’s border:
Lord, as Thou wilt, deal Thou with me.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.
5. Reveal the sweetness of Thy heaven,
Earth’s galling bitterness unfold;
May I, amid this turmoil riven,
Thy blest eternity behold.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.
6. My many sins blot out forever
Since Jesus has my pardon won;
In mercy robed, I then shall never
Fear death, but trust in Thee alone.
My God for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.
7. Naught shall my should from Jesus sever;
In faith I touch His wounded side
And hail Him as my Lord forever,
Nor life nor death shall us divide.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.
8. Once in the blest baptismal waters
I put on Christ and made Him mine;
Now numbered with God’s sons and daughters,
I share His peace and love divine.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.
9. His body and His blood I’ve taken
In His blest Supper, feast divine;
Now I shall never be forsaken,
For I am His, and He is mine.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.
10. Then may death come today, tomorrow,
I know in Christ I perish not;
He grants the peace that stills all sorrow,
Gives me a robe without a spot.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.
11. And thus I live in God contented
And die without a thought of fear;
My soul has to God’s plans consented,
For through His Son my faith is clear.
My God, for Jesus’ sake I pray
Thy peace may bless my dying day.
TLH 599 My Course is Run. Praise God, My Course is Run
Andreas Gryphius, 1726
1. My course is run. Praise God, my course is run,
My Jesus welcomes me.
Farewell, my friends, my work on earth is done,
The heavenly goal I see.
My dear Redeemers’ praises voicing,
I leave this world with great rejoicing.
My course is run. My course is run.
2. My course is run. My Jesus took for me
Upon Himself my guilt.
Upon the cross, the bitter, shameful tree,
For me His blood He spilt,
Thus by His death and grace abounding
For me a refuge surely founding.
My course is run. My course is run.
3. My course is run. Now I am free from need,
From dangers, fear, and dread.
With heaven’s bread the Lord will now me feed,
High honors on me shed.
Now I will hear the angels singing,
Sweet songs of seraphim are ringing.
My course is run. My course is run.
4. My course is run. Praise God, my course is run,
My Jesus welcomes me.
Farewell, my friends, my work on earth is done,
The heav’nly goal I see.
Freed from all trouble and repining,
I see the open heaven shining.
My course is run. My course is run.
6. Hope of Heaven/ Encouragement of the Martyrs
539 Christ Is the World’s Redeemer
1 Christ is the world’s Redeemer,
The lover of the pure,
The font of heav’nly wisdom,
Our trust and hope secure,
The armor of His soldiers,
The Lord of earth and sky,
Our health while we are living,
Our life when we shall die.
2 Christ has our host surrounded
With clouds of martyrs bright,
Who wave their palms in triumph
And fire us for the fight.
Then Christ the cross ascended
To save a world undone
And, suff’ring for the sinful,
Our full redemption won.
3 Down through the realm of darkness
He strode in victory,
And at the hour appointed
He rose triumphantly.
And now, to heav’n ascended,
He sits upon the throne
Whence He had ne’er departed,
His Father’s and His own.
4 Glory to God the Father,
The unbegotten One,
All honor be to Jesus,
His sole-begotten Son,
And to the Holy Spirit—
The perfect Trinity.
Let all the worlds give answer:
Amen! So let it be.
Text: attr. Columba, 521–597; tr. Duncan MacGregor, 1854–1923, alt.
Text: Public domain
514 The Bridegroom Soon Will Call Us
1 The Bridegroom soon will call us,
“Come to the wedding feast.”
May slumber not befall us
Nor watchfulness decrease.
May all our lamps be burning
With oil enough and more
That we, with Him returning,
May find an open door!
2 There shall we see in glory
Our dear Redeemer’s face;
The long-awaited story
Of heav’nly joy takes place:
The patriarchs shall meet us,
The prophets’ holy band;
Apostles, martyrs greet us
In that celestial land.
3 There God shall from all evil
Forever make us free,
From sin and from the devil,
From all adversity,
From sickness, pain, and sadness,
From troubles, cares, and fears,
And grant us heav’nly gladness
And wipe away our tears.
4 In that fair home shall never
Be silent music’s voice;
With hearts and lips forever
We shall in God rejoice,
While angel hosts are raising
With saints from great to least
A mighty hymn for praising
The Giver of the feast.
Text: Johann Walter, 1496–1570; (st. 1): tr. F. Samuel Janzow, 1913–2001; (sts. 2–4): tr. Matthias Loy, 1828–1915, alt.
Text (st. 1): © 1982 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110004686
Text (sts. 2–4): Public domain
513 The Clouds of Judgment Gather, sts. 3–4
3 The home of fadeless splendor,
Of blooms that bear no thorn,
Where they shall dwell as children
Who here as exiles mourn;
The peace of all the faithful,
The calm of all the blest,
Inviolate, unfading,
Divinest, sweetest, best.
4 Oh, happy, holy portion,
Relief for all distressed,
True vision of true beauty,
Refreshment for the blest!
Strive now to win that glory,
Toil now to gain that light;
Send hope ahead to grasp it
Till hope be lost in sight.
Text: Bernard of Cluny, 12th cent.; tr. Lutheran Book of Worship, 1978
Text: © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110004686
510 A Multitude Comes from the East and the West, sts. 3–4
3 All trials shall be like a dream that is past,
Forgotten all trouble and mourning.
All questions and doubts have been answered at last,
When rises the light of that morning.
Have mercy upon us, O Jesus!
4 The heavens shall ring with an anthem more grand
Than ever on earth was recorded.
The blest of the Lord shall receive at His hand
The crown to the victors awarded.
Have mercy upon us, O Jesus!
Text: Magnus Brostrup Landstad, 1802–80; tr. Peer O. Strömme, 1856–1921, adapt.
Text: Public domain