Speak, O Lord, Thy Servant Heareth

Above:  Stream in Spring

Image in the Public Domain

Hymn Source = The Lutheran Hymnary (1935), Norwegian Lutheran Church of America/The Evangelical Lutheran Church

Original German Words (1658) by Anna Sophia of Hesse-Darmstadt (1638-1683)

Norwegian Translation (1861) by Magnus Brostrup Landstad (1802-1880)

English Translation (1909) by George Alfred Taylor Rygh (1860-1942)

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1.  Speak, O Lord, Thy servant heareth,

To Thy word I now give heed;

Life and spirit Thy word beareth,

All Thy word is truth 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.  O 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 at Thy word;

But to him for sin who 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 see Thee and adore Thee.

5.  All the world is full of sorrow;

Dearest Jesus, hear Thou me:

Come what may today, tomorrow,

May I firmly stand with Thee

On Thy word’s unfaltering ground;

And when death’s dread call shall sound,

I shall sing in its dark mazes

To Thy name my grateful praises.