Ceiling of the Church of St. Peter, also known as Exeter Cathedral, in England
Image Source = Official Website of the Cathedral (http://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/)
Hymn Source = Service Book and Hymnal (1958), of predecessor bodies of the American Lutheran Church (1960) and the Lutheran Church in America (1962)
Edward Henry Bickersteth (1825-1905) was a poet and hymn writer, as well as a priest and bishop of the Church of England. He was Bishop of Exeter from 1885 to 1900.
http://neatnik2009.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/feast-of-edward-henry-bickersteth-may-14/
KRT
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1. Not worthy, Lord, to gather up the crumbs
With trembling hand, that from thy table fall,
A weary, heavy-laden sinner comes
To plead thy promise and obey thy call.
2. I am not worthy to be thought thy child,
Nor sit the last and lowest at thy board;
Too long a wanderer, and too oft beguiled,
I only ask one reconciling word.
3. I hear thy voice; thou bidd’st me come and rest;
I come, I kneel, I clasp thy pierced feet;
Thou bidd’st me take my place, a welcome guest
Among thy saints, and of thy banquet eat.
4. My praise can only breathe itself in prayer,
My prayer can only lose itself in thee;
Dwell thou forever in my heart, and there,
Lord, let me sup with thee; sup thou with me.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Below: The High Altar at Exeter Cathedral
Pingback: Feast of Edward Henry Bickersteth (May 14) | SUNDRY THOUGHTS
Pingback: Edward Henry Bickersteth | GATHERED PRAYERS