"Speak, O Lord, Thy Servant Heareth"

                   by Anna Sophia of Hesse, 1638-1683

        Translated by George A.T. Rygh, 1860-1942

                                  Text From:

                       THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL

        (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941)







        1. Speak, O Lord, Thy servant heareth,

        To Thy Word I now give heed;

        Life and spirit Thy Word beareth,

        All Thy Word is true indeed.

        Death's dread power in me is rife;

        Jesus, may Thy Word of Life

        Fill my soul with love's strong fervor

        That I cling to Thee forever.



        2. Oh, what blessing to be near Thee

        And to hearken to Thy voice!

        May I ever love and fear Thee

        That Thy Word may be my choice!

        Oft were hardened sinners, Lord,

        Struck with terror by Thy Word;

        But to him who for sin grieveth

        Comfort sweet and hope it giveth.



        3. Lord, Thy words are waters living

        Where I quench my thirsty need;

        Lord, Thy words are bread life-giving,

        On Thy words my Soul doth feed.

        Lord, Thy words shall be my light

        Through death's vale and dreary night;

        Yea, they are my sword prevailing

        And my cup of joy unfailing.



        4. Precious Jesus, I beseech Thee,

        May Thy words take root in me;

        May this gift from heaven enrich me

        So that I bear fruit for Thee!

        Take them never from my heart

        Till I see Thee as Thou art,

        When in heavenly bliss and glory

        I shall greet Thee and adore Thee.



        


        Notes:

        Hymn #296 from _The Lutheran Hymnal_

        Text: 1 Sam. 3: 10

        Author: Anna Sophia of Hesse, 1658

        Translated by: George A.T. Rygh, 1909

        Titled: "Rede, liebster Jesus, rede"

        Composer: Johann Schop, 1642

        Tune: "Werde munter"