"O Living Bread From Heaven"
by Johann Rist, 1607-1667
Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1829-1878
1. O living Bread from heaven,
How richly hast Thou fed Thy guest!
The gifts Thou now hast given
Have filled my heart with joy and rest.
O wondrous food of blessing,
O cup that heals our woes!
My heart, this gift professing,
In thankful songs o'erflows;
For while the faith within me
Was quickened by this food,
My soul hath gazed upon Thee,
My highest, only Good.
2. My God, Thou here hast led me
Within Thy temple's holiest place
And there Thyself hast fed me
With all the treasures of Thy grace,
Oh, boundless is Thy kindness,
And righteous is Thy power,
While I in sinful blindness
Am erring hour by hour;
And yet Thou com'st not spurning
A sinner, Lord, like me!
Thy grace and love returning,
What gift have I for Thee?
3. A heart that hath repented
And mourns for sin with bitter sighs,--
Thou, Lord, art well contented
With this my only sacrifice.
I know that in my weakness
Thou wilt despise me not,
But grant me in Thy meekness
The blessing I have sought;
Yes, Thou wilt hear with favor
The song that now I raise,
For meet and right 'tis ever
That I should sing Thy praise.
4. Grant what I have partaken
May through Thy grace so work in me
That sin be all forsaken
And I may cleave alone to Thee
And all my soul be heedful
How I Thy love may know;
For this alone is needful
Thy love should in me glow.
Then let no beauty ever,
No joy, allure my heart,
But what is Thine, my Savior,
What Thou dost here impart.
5. Oh, well for me that, strengthened
With heavenly food and comfort here,
Howe'er my course be lengthened,
I now may serve Thee free from fear!
Away, then, earthly pleasure!
All earthly gifts are vain;
I seek a heavenly treasure,
My home I long to gain,
My God, where I shall praise Thee,
Where none my peace destroy,
And where my soul shall raise Thee
Glad songs in endless joy.
The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #316
Text: Matt. 26: 26-29
Author: Johann Rist, 1651, cento
Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1858, alt.
Titled: "Wie wohl hast du gelabet"
Tune: "Nun lob, mein' Seel'"
1st Published in: Concentus Novi
Town: Augsburg, 1540
