Scripture Verse

Praise be to the Name of God forever and ever. Daniel 2:20

Introduction

portrait
Martin Luther (1483–1546)

Words: Verse 1, au­thor un­known, cir­ca 1400. Vers­es 2 & 3, Mar­tin Lu­ther, in the En­chi­ri­di­on (Er­furt, Ger­ma­ny: 1524). Com­po­site trans­la­tion.

Music: Gott sei Ge­lo­bet Ger­man tune, cir­ca 1400 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Lyrics

O Lord, we praise Thee, bless Thee, and adore Thee,
In thanksgiving bow before Thee.
Thou with Thy body and Thy blood didst nourish
Our weak souls that they may flourish.
O Lord, have mercy!
May Thy body, Lord, born of Mary
That our sins and sorrow did carry,
And Thy blood for us plead
In all trial, fear and need:
O Lord, have mercy!

Thy holy body into death was given,
Life to win for us in heaven.
No greater love than this to Thee could bind us;
May this feast thereof remind us!
O Lord, have mercy!
Lord, Thy kindness did so constrain Thee
That Thy blood should bless and sustain me.
All our debt Thou hast paid;
Peace with God once more is made:
O Lord, have mercy!

May God bestow on us His grace and favor
To please Him with our behavior
And live as brethren here in love and union
Nor repent this blessed communion!
O Lord, have mercy!
Let not Thy good Spi­rit forsake us;
Grant that heavenly minded He make us;
Give Thy church, Lord, to see
Days of peace and unity;
O Lord, have mercy!