Thou Lord of Life and Death

Above:  A Funeral, 1931

Photographer = Harris & Ewing

Image Source = Library of Congress

Reproduction Number = LC-DIG-hec-36275

Words (1920) by Anna Bernadine Dorothy Hoppe (1889-1941)

Hymn Source = The Hymnal and Order of Service (1925), The Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod

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1.  Thou Lord of life and death,

Blest Son of God the Father,

Jesus, in humble faith

Before Thy throne we gather;

Thy Spirit bids us come

In fervent prayer to Thee,

O bless Thy Christendom

Now and eternally.

2. Thou speakest but a word,

And lo! the dead awaken.

Why should we sorrow, Lord,

When those we love are taken

From this drear vale of tears

To realms of bliss above?

Hush Thou our griefs and fears,

Thou Fount of boundless love.

3.  When judgment trumpets wake

All who in death are sleeping,

To Salem’s mansions take

The saved in Thy love’s keeping.

When at Thy blest “Arise!”

We greet Thee, risen King,

The realms beyond the skies

With endless praise shall ring.