Scripture Verse

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Introduction

portrait
Nikolaus Hermann (1500–1561)

Words: Un­known au­thor, 1607, cento (Wir dank­en dir, Herr Je­su Christ). Trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Mat­thi­as Loy, 1880, alt.

Music: Ers­chien­en ist Ni­ko­laus Her­mann, Die Son­tags Eu­an­gel­ia 1560 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Matthias Loy (1828–1915)

Lyrics

We thank Thee, Je­sus, dearest friend,
That Thou didst into Heav’n as­cend.
O blessèd Sav­ior, bid us live
And strength to soul and body give.
Hallelujah!

Ascended to His throne on high,
Hid from our sight, yet always nigh,
He rules and reigns at God’s right hand
And has all power at His command.
Hallelujah!

The man who trusts in Him is blest
And finds in Him eter­nal rest;
This world’s allurements we despise
And fix on Christ alone our eyes.
Hallelujah!

We therefore heartily rejoice
And sing His praise with cheerful voice;
He captive led captivity,
From bitter death He set us free.
Hallelujah!

Through Him we heirs of Hea­ven are made;
O brother, Christ, extend Thine aid
That we may firmly trust in Thee
And through Thee live eternally.
Hallelujah!