O Jesus, thou art standing

Outside the fast-closed door,

In lowly patience waiting

To pass the threshold o'er:

Shame on us, Christian brothers,

His Name and sign who bear;

O shame, thrice shame upon us,

To keep him standing there!

O Jesus, thou art knocking:

And lo! that hand is scarred,

And thorns thy brow encircle,

And tears thy face have marred:

O love that passeth knowledge

So patiently to wait!

O sin that hath no equal,

So fast to bar the gate!

O Jesus, thou art pleading

In accents meek and low:

"I died for you, my children,

And will ye treat me so?"

O Lord, with shame and sorrow

We open now the door:

Dear Savior, enter, enter,

And leave us nevermore.

Amen.