Order my steps in Thy Word, and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
Psalm 119:133
Words: Synesius of Cyrene, circa 430 (Μνώεο Χριστέ). Translated from Greek to English by Allen W. Chatfield, Songs and Hymns of Earliest Greek Christian Poets (London: Rivingtons, 1876), pages 88–90: In translating this ode I have given my spirit more liberty. It may be considered as a paraphrase or amplification, rather than an exact translation of the original.
Music: Southwell (Daman) William Daman, Psalmes of David in English Meter 1579 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tune:
If you know where to get a good picture of Synesius, Chatfield, or Daman (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Lord Jesus, think on me;
And this poor offering,
Which I do humbly weave for Thee,
Accept, O Christ, my king.
Lord Jesus, think on me
And purge away my sin:
From earthborn passions set me free
And make me pure within.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
With care and woe oppressed;
Let me Thy loving servant be,
And taste Thy promised rest.
Lord Jesus, think on me
Amid the battle’s strife:
In all my pain and misery
Be Thou my health and life.
Lord Jesus, think on me
Nor let me go astray;
Through darkness and perplexity
Point Thou the heavenly way.
Lord Jesus, think on me
When floods the tempest high:
When on doth rush the enemy,
O Savior, be Thou nigh.
Lord Jesus, think on me
That, when the flood is past,
I may th’eternal brightness see
And share Thy joy at last.
Lord Jesus, think on me,
And grant me my desire,
That I, with mind and limbs set free,
May join the heav’nly choir.
Lord Jesus, think on me
That I may sing above
To Father, and to Thee,
And to the Holy Dove.