Scripture Verse

How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cringe before You. Psalm 66:3

Introduction

portrait
Catherine Winkworth (1827–1878)

Words: Jo­han­nes Mühl­mann, 1618 (Dank sei Gott in der Höhe). Trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Ca­the­rine Wink­worth, Cho­rale Book for Eng­land, 1863, num­ber 163, alt.

Music: Ge­duld, die soll’n wir ha­ben Geist­liche Lied­er (Frank­furt, Ger­ma­ny: 1607) (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of Mühl­mann (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

While yet the morn is breaking,
I thank my God once more,
Beneath whose care awaking,
I find the night is o’er.
I thank Him that He calls me
To life and health anew;
I know, whate’er befalls me,
His care will still be true.

O Israel’s guardian, hear me,
Watch over me this day;
In all I do be near me.
For others, too, I pray;
To Thee I would commend them,
Our Church, our youth, our land,
Direct them and defend them
When dangers are at hand.

O gracious Lord, direct us,
Thy doctrine pure defend,
From heresies protect us,
And for Thy Word contend,
That we may praise Thee ever,
O God, with one accord,
And say: The Lord, our Sav­ior,
Be ev­er­more adored.

Oh, grant us peace and gladness,
Give us our daily bread,
Shield us from grief and sadness,
On us Thy blessings shed.
Grant that our whole behavior,
In truth and right­eous­ness,
May praise Thee, Lord, our Sav­ior,
Whose holy name we bless.

And gently grant Thy blessing
That we may do Thy will,
No more Thy ways transgressing,
Our proper task fulfill,
With Peter’s full assurance
Let down our nets again.
Success will crown endurance
If faithful we remain.

Thou art the vine—oh, nourish
The branches graft in Thee
And let them grow and flourish,
A fair and fruitful tree.
Thy Spi­rit pour within us
And let His gifts of grace
To such good actions win us
As best may show Thy praise.