I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
Matthew 28:20
Words: Carl O. Rosenius, Pietisten 1847, number 6 (Var jag går, i skogar, berg och dalar). Translated from Swedish to English by Victor O. Petersen (1864–1929).
Music: Var Jag Går Oskar Ahnfelt, Sånger 1868 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know when the translation was done, or where to get a good photo of Petersen (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Wheresoe’er I roam thro’ valleys dreary,
Over mountains, or in pathless wood,
Ever with me is a friend to cheer me,
Warning, comforting as none else could.
’Tis the Shepherd, who once dying, bleeding,
Still through all eternity shall live;
Following His flock, protecting, feeding,
He the tenderest care doth give;
Following His flock, protecting, feeding,
He the tenderest care doth give.
All my needs eternally supplying,
All in all to me that Friend shall be;
Everything for which my heart is sighing,
He perceives, and helps me lovingly.
Tho’ I often feel forsaken, lonely,
He is ever near, for He did say:
I am with you alway,
and this only
Gives me courage on my way;
I am with you alway,
and this only
Gives me courage on my way.
Piercèd Heart, with love o’erflowing, guide me,
Help me through life’s desert find my way,
Let my faith, no matter what betide me,
Find assurance in Thy wounds for aye.
To Thy bosom—for this life is fleeting—
Take me, wash my garments in Thy blood,
And arising may I, at Thy meeting,
Cry with joy, My Lord and God!
And arising may I, at Thy meeting,
Cry with joy, My Lord and God!