eHymns.org

Karl Johann Philipp Spitta

Hans George Naegeli

Alvin (Bud) Herman Manz in 2024

We thank Thee, precious Saviour dear,
That we are not left weary,
As poor neglected orphans here
On lonely ways so dreary.
'Mid people strange, in foreign land
And where our speech has no demand,
As foolish ones regarded.
Nay, not as orphans stand we here.
To us, O Lord, at all times near
Thy presence is accorded.

Thy Spirit, Lord, is with us here,
Oh, precious, holy blessing!
Which on our pathway us doth cheer
With love and peace caressing.
Thou sendest light in darkness dim
And warmest us with love's bright beam,
With food and drink dost nourish.
Oh, stand by us with word and deed,
And by Thy Spirit do Thou lead
Us on our pilgrim journey.

Thou art among us with Thy word,
Its grace and pow'r revealing;
And with its truth Thou dost, O Lord,
Create a heav'nly feeling.
How kindly dost Thou bring us cheer.
How dost Thou warn and teach to fear
In ev'ry way and manner!
How doth it cause the pain depart!
How doth it bring joy to the heart
Beneath Thy Holy banner!

Thou art with Thy blest Sacrament
Into our midst invited,
Where heart and soul with one accord
With Thee can be united.
Thy heart that once its precious blood
Has shed for us, a cleansing flood,
In love for us still burneth.
There floweth life's eternal stream;
There shineth love's enlight'ning beam
To whom in grace He turneth.

Thou art with us, where two or three
In holy union gather,
And pray in faith, from doubting free,
Unto the heav'nly Father.
For Thou Thyself art present, Lord,
Where brethren meet in one accord,
And blessed hours are given,
A foretaste of that heritage,
Beyond our earthly pilgrimage,
Awaiting us in heaven.

Thy sacred peace doth rest upon
Our hearts when fears may grieve us;
What, dying, Thou for us hast won
Thou here on earth dost give us.
Though troubles in our path may lie,
And Satan, world, and sin may try
With threats to terrify us;
In Thee our peace shall anchored be
Because we fully trust in Thee,
And Thou wilt well supply us.

Thou art with us, we do not sigh,
Uncertain and forsaken;
We fear not although ills be nigh
Upon the path we've taken;
We dread no cross, tho' dark its night,
No foe's grim wrath or evil might,
Nor even hell's black portal;
For He who is our Lord and King
Beneath the shadow of His wing
Keeps us for life immortal!

Although unseen, Thou art with us;
And while we wait in sadness,
The time is brief till we shall pass
Into Thy realm of gladness,
Forevermore to be with Thee,
To view Thy glorious majesty,
And praise Thy name, O Saviour.
Abide with us and be our stay
And guide us safely to the day
We see Thy face forever!