Bethany Lutheran Hymnal - Thanks to Norma Boeckler and the LCMS ContributionsI Need To Make It Simpler (Like me). Tomorrow.

 

The Bethany Lutheran Hymnal came about from our need to have a vast number of superb hymns, with freedom to use them.

Besides that, Norma Boeckler provided vast numbers of her art for those hymns, which she loves dearly, not to mention her gift for music.

The melodies are invited, too, so that is a vast help for those of us (like me) who cannot draw or sing hymns!

I will start to gather the materials for Lent. Feel free to use them to glorify the beauty. They will start to be added on Ichabod and they are welcome copies from The Bethany Lutheran Hymnal.

nota bene - I will work on one Lenten Sunday at a time, and I will do more tomorrow, Thursday.

Hymn - Behold the Sure Foundation-Stone

 

"Behold the Sure Foundation-Stone"
by Isaac Watts, 1674-1748

1. Behold the sure Foundation-stone
Which God in Zion lays
To build our heavenly hopes upon
And His eternal praise.

2. Chosen of God, to sinners dear,
Let saints adore the name;
They trust their whole salvation here,
Nor shall they suffer shame.

3. The foolish builders, scribe and priest,
Reject it with disdain;
Yet on this rock the Church shall rest
And envy rage in vain.

4. What though the gates of hell withstood
Yet must this building rise.
'Tis Thine own work, Almighty God,
And wondrous in our eyes.

Hymn #460
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Psalm 118:22
Author: Isaac Watts, 1719
Composer: William Croft, 1708
Tune: "St. Anne"

More Than 44,000 Views of The Bethany Hymnal Blog

 

The Lutheran Hymnal remains a great gathering of wonderful hymns, and Norma A. Boeckler has created beautiful graphics for most of them. Sing along with this tune for Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand, click Alford.

Many of us can read the notes and sing along with a new or old melody - results may vary. The Bethany Hymnal allows for having the lyrics, the melody, and an illustration for most hymns. As time allows, more information about the authors and the hymn itself will be added.

I enjoy using YouTube for hymns because many of us have one tune or another in our minds. The alternatives are good to know.

Printing hymnals is a great money-maker for the denominations, but their expensive boat anchors keep getting worse and worse. Well over 44,000 views for The Bethany Hymnal Blog suggests that people would like quality instead of high cost and weight.

Hymn - Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand - TLH #476

 

"Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand"
by Henry Alford, 1810-1871

Tune linked - Alford

1. Ten thousand times ten thousand,
In sparkling raiment bright,
The armies of the ransomed saints
Throng up the steeps of light.
'Tis finished, all is finished,
Their fight with death and sin;
Fling open wide the golden gates
And let the victors in.

2. What rush of alleluias
Fills all the earth and sky!
What ringing of a thousand harps
Proclaims the triumph nigh!
O day, for which creation
And all its tribes were made;
O joy, for all its former woes
A thousandfold repaid!

3. Oh, then what raptured greetings
On Canaan's happy shore;
What knitting severed friendships up
Where partings are no more!
Then eyes with joy shall sparkle
That brimmed with tears of late;
Orphans no longer fatherless
Nor widows desolate.

4. Bring near Thy great salvation,
Thou Lamb for sinners slain;
Fill up the roll of Thine elect,
Then take Thy power and reign.
Appear, Desire of Nations;
Thine exiles long for home.
Show in the heavens Thy promised sign;
Thou Prince and Savior, come!

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #476
Text: Revelation 7:17
Author: Henry Alford, 1867
Composer: James B. Dykes, 1875
Tune: "Alford"

Hymn - Savior, Sprinkle Many Nations - TLH #510

 

"Savior, Sprinkle Many Nations"
by Arthur C. Coxe, 1818-1896, stanza 1
by W. Gustave Polack, 1890-1950, stanzas 2, 3

Tune linked here - O du Liebe

1. Savior, sprinkle many nations,
Fruitful let Thy sorrows be;
By Thy pains and consolations
Draw the Gentiles unto Thee.
Of Thy Cross the wondrous story,
Be it to the nations told;
Let them see Thee in Thy glory
And Thy mercy manifold.

2. Let to mortals all be given
Thee to know and life to gain,
Thee, the very God of heaven,
Thee, the Man for sinners slain.
Speak Thou hope to ev'ry mortal
Thro' the Gospel, sweet and blest;
Lead them thro' Thy kingdom's portal
To eternal peace and rest.

3. Great the need in ev'ry nation,
Dense the darkness of sin's night;
Let Thy Spirit bring salvation,
Love's pure flame, and wisdom's light.
Give the Word, Thy preachers strengthen
With the prophets' pow'r of old,
Help them Zion's cords to lengthen,
All Thy wand'ring sheep to fold.

Hymn #510
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Isaiah 54:2
Author stanza 1: Arthur C. Coxe, 1851
Author stanza 2, 3: W. Gustave Polack, 1927
Tune: "O du Liebe"
1st Published in: Musikalischer Christenschatz
Town: Basel, 1745

Hymn - Savior,Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise - TLH #47

 

"Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise"
by John Ellerton, 1826-1893

Tune linked here - Ellers

1. Savior, again to Thy dear name we raise
With one accord our parting hymn of praise.
Once more we bless Thee ere our worship cease,
Then, lowly bending, wait Thy word of peace.

2. Grant us Thy peace upon our homeward way;
With Thee began, with Thee shall end, the day;
Guard Thou the lips from sin, the hearts from shame,
That in this house have called upon Thy name.

3. Grant us Thy peace, Lord, through the coming night;
Turn Thou for us its darkness into light.
From harm and danger keep Thy children free,
For dark and light are both alike to Thee.

4. Grant us Thy peace throughout our earthly life,
Our balm in sorrow and our stay in strife;
Then, when Thy voice shall bid our conflict cease,
Call us, O Lord, to Thine eternal peace.

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #47
Text: Psalm 110:2
Author: John Ellerton, 1866
Tune: "Ellers"
Composer: Edward J. Hopkins, 1869

Hymn - Our Heavenly Father, Hear - TLH #455

"Our Heavenly Father, Hear"
by James Montgomery, 1771-1854

Tune linked here - St. Bride

1. Our heav'nly Father, hear
The prayer we offer now.
Thy name be hallowed far and near;
To Thee all nations bow.

2. Thy kingdom come; Thy will
On earth be done in love
As saints and seraphim fulfil
Thy holy will above.

3. Our daily bread supply
While by Thy word we live.
The guilt of our iniquity
Forgive as we forgive.

4. From dark temptation's power,
From Satan's wiles, defend.
Deliver in the evil hour
And guide us to the end.

5. Thine shall forever be
Glory and power divine;
The scepter, throne, and majesty
Of heaven and earth are Thine.
Hymn #455
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Luke 11:2-4
Author: James Montgomery, 1835
Composer: Samuel Howard, 1762
Tune: "St. Bride"

TLH Hymn - To Thy Temple I Repair

 

Tune - Gott sei Dank - linked here

"To Thy Temple I Repair"
by James Montgomery, 1771-1854

1. To Thy temple I repair;
Lord, I love to worship there
When within the veil I meet
Christ before the mercy-seat.

2. I through Him am reconciled,
I through Him become Thy child.
Abba, Father, give me grace
In Thy courts to seek Thy face.

3. While Thy glorious praise is sung,
Touch my lips, unloose my tongue,
That my joyful soul may bless
Christ the Lord, my Righteousness.

4. While the prayers of saints ascend,
God of Love, to mine attend.
Hear me, for Thy Spirit pleads;
Hear, for Jesus intercedes.

5. While I hearken to Thy Law,
Fill my soul with humble awe
Till Thy Gospel bring to me
Life and immortality.

6. While Thy ministers proclaim
Peace and pardon in Thy name,
Through their voice, by faith, may I
Hear Thee speaking from the sky.

7. From Thy house when I return,
May my heart within me burn
And at evening let me say,
"I have walked with God today."

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #2
Text: Hebrews 9:14
Author: James Montgomery, 1812
Tune: "Gott sei Dank"
1st Published in: Neues geistreiches Gesangbuch_
Town: Halle, 1704

TLH - Holy Spirit, Hear Us

"Holy Spirit, Hear Us"
by Joseph Mohr, 1792-1848
Translated by Claudia F. Hernaman, 1838-1898

Tune - Wem in Leidenstagen - linked here

1. Holy Spirit, hear us
On this sacred day;
Come to us with blessing,
Come with us to stay.

2. Come as once Thou camest
To the faithful few
Patiently awaiting
Jesus' promise true.

3. Up to heaven ascending,
Our dear Lord has gone;
Yet His little children
Leaves He not alone.

4. To His blessed promise
Now in faith we cling.
Comforter, most holy,
Spread o'er us Thy wing.

5. Lighten Thou our darkness,
Be Thyself our Light;
Strengthen Thou our weakness,
Spirit of all might.

6. Spirit of Adoption,
Make us overflow
With Thy sevenfold blessing
And in grace to grow.

7. Into Christ baptized
Grant that we may be
Day and night, dear Spirit,
Perfected by Thee!


The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #229
Text: I Corinthians 12:7-9
Author: Joseph Mohr, 1816
Translated by: Claudia F. Hernaman, 1898
Composer: Friedrich Filitz, 1847
Tune: "Wem in Leidenstagen"

Luther Hymn TLH - May God Bestow on Us His Blessing

 

Tune - Es woll' uns Gott genadig sein - linked here

"May God Bestow on Us His Grace"
by Martin Luther, 1483-1546

1. May God bestow on us His grace,
With blessings rich provide us,
And may the brightness of His face
To life eternal guide us
That we His saving health may know,
His gracious will and pleasure,
And also to the heathen show
Christ's riches without measure
And unto God convert them.

2. Thine over all shall be the praise
And thanks of every nation,
And all the world with joy shall raise
The voice of exultation;
For Thou shalt judge the earth, O Lord,
Nor suffer sin to flourish;
Thy people's pasture is Thy Word
Their souls to feed and nourish,
In righteous paths to keep them.

3. Oh, let the people praise Thy worth,
In all good works increasing;
The land shall plenteous fruit bring forth,
Thy Word is rich in blessing.
May God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit bless us!
Let all theworld praise Him alone,
Let solemn awe possess us.

Hymn 500
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Psalm 67
Author: Martin Luther, 1524
Translated by: Richard Massie, 1851, alt.
Titled: "Es woll' uns Gott genadig sein"
Tune: "Es woll' uns Gott genadig sein"
1st Published in: Deutsch Kirchenamt
Town: Strassburg, 1525

TLH Hymn - Holy Spirit, Hear Us - #229

"Holy Spirit, Hear Us"
by Joseph Mohr, 1792-1848
Translated by Claudia F. Hernaman, 1838-1898

Tune - Wem in Leidenstagen - linked here

1. Holy Spirit, hear us
On this sacred day;
Come to us with blessing,
Come with us to stay.

2. Come as once Thou camest
To the faithful few
Patiently awaiting
Jesus' promise true.

3. Up to heaven ascending,
Our dear Lord has gone;
Yet His little children
Leaves He not alone.

4. To His blessed promise
Now in faith we cling.
Comforter, most holy,
Spread o'er us Thy wing.

5. Lighten Thou our darkness,
Be Thyself our Light;
Strengthen Thou our weakness,
Spirit of all might.

6. Spirit of Adoption,
Make us overflow
With Thy sevenfold blessing
And in grace to grow.

7. Into Christ baptized
Grant that we may be
Day and night, dear Spirit,
Perfected by Thee!


The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #229
Text: I Corinthians 12:7-9
Author: Joseph Mohr, 1816
Translated by: Claudia F. Hernaman, 1898
Composer: Friedrich Filitz, 1847
Tune: "Wem in Leidenstagen"

The Lutheran Hymnal - How Precious Is the Book Divine - TLH 285

Tune - Walder - linked here

"How Precious is the Book Divine"
by John Fawcett, 1740-1817

1. How precious is the Book Divine,
By inspiration given!
Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine
To guide our souls to heaven.

2. It's light, descending from above
Our gloomy world to cheer,
Displays a Savior's boundless love
And brings his glories near.

3. It shows to man his wandering ways
And where his feet have trod,
And brings to view the matchless grace
Of a forgiving God.

4. O'er all the straight and narrow way
Its radiant beams are cast;
A light whose never weary ray
Grows brightest at the last.

5. It sweetly cheers our drooping hearts
In this dark vale of tears,
Life, light, and joy it still imparts
And quells our rising fears.

6. This lamp through all the tedious night
Of life shall guide our way
Till we behold the clearer light
Of an eternal day.

 Norma A. Boeckler

Hymn #285
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Psalm 119:105
Author: John Fawcett, 1782
Tune: "Walder"
Composer: Johann J. Walder, 1788

The Lutheran Hymnal - Now Praise We Christ, the Holy One

Tune - Tune: Christum wir sollen loben schon - linked here.

"Now Praise We Christ, the Holy One"
by Martin Luther, 1483-1546

1. Now praise we Christ, the Holy One,
The blessed Virgin Mary's Son,
Far as the glorious sun doth shine,
E'en to the world's remote confine.
2. He who Himself all things did make
A servant's form vouchsafed to take
That He as man mankind might win
And save His creatures from their sin.

3. The grace and power of God the Lord
Upon the mother was outpoured;
A virgin pure and undefiled
In wondrous wise conceived a child.

4. The noble mother bore a Son,-
For so did Gabriel's promise run,-
Whom John confessed and leaped with joy
Ere yet the mother knew her boy.

5. Upon a manger filled with hay
In poverty content He lay;
With milk was fed the Lord of all,
Who feeds the ravens when they call.

6. The heavenly choirs rejoice and raise
Their voice to God in songs of praise.
To humble shepherds is proclaimed
The Shepherd who the world hath framed.

7. All honor unto Christ be paid,
Pure Offspring of the favored maid,
With Father and with Holy Ghost,
Till time in endless time be lost.

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #104
Text: Phil. 2: 6,7
Author: Coelius Sedulius, c. 450
Poem titled: "Paean Alphabeticus de Christo"
German version by Martin Luther , 1524, ab.
Titled: A solis ortus cardine
Translated by: Richard Massie, 1854, alt.
Tune: Christum wir sollen loben schon
1st Published in: "Enchiridion"
Town: Erfurt, 1524

The Lutheran Hymnal - Lord Jesus, Thou the Church's End

"Lord Jesus, Thou the Church's Head"
by Johann Mentzer, 1658-1734
Translated by William J. Schaefer, 1891-

Tune - Reuter - linked here

1. Lord Jesus, Thou the Church's Head,
Thou art her one Foundation;
In Thee she trusts, before Thee bows,
And waits for Thy salvation.
Built on this Rock secure,
Thy Church shall endure
E'en though the world decay
And all things pass away.
Oh, hear, oh, hear us, Jesus!

2. O Lord, let this Thy little flock,
Thy name alone confessing,
Continue in Thy loving care,
True unity possessing.
Thy Sacraments, O Lord,
And Thy saving Word
To us e'er pure retain.
Grant that they may remain
Our only strength and comfort.

3. Help us to serve Thee evermore
With hearts both pure and lowly;
And my Thy Word, that light divine,
Shine on in splendor holy
That we repentance show,
In faith ever grow;
The power of sin destroy
And all that doth annoy.
Oh, make us faithful Christians!

4. And for Thy Gospel let us dare
To sacrifice all treasure;
Teach us to bear Thy blessed cross,
To find in Thee all pleasure.
Oh, grant us steadfastness
In joy and distress,
That we Thee ne'er forsake.
Let us by grace partake
O endless joy and glory.

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #477
Text: Colossians 2:10
Author: Johann Mentzer, 1726, cento
Translated by: William J. Schaefer, 1938
Titled: "O Jesu, einig wahres Haupt"
Composer: Fritz Reuter, 1916
Tune: "Reuter"

 Fritz Reuter, Martin Luther College, New Ulm

The Lutheran Hymnal - Lord, Thee I Love

Tune: "Herzlich lieb hab' ich dir, o Herr" - linked here

"Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart" by Martin Schalling, 1532-1608
Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1829-1878

1. Lord, Thee I love with all my heart;
I pray Thee ne'er from me depart,
With tender mercies cheer me.
Earth has no pleasure I would share,
Yea, heaven itself were void and bare
If Thou, Lord, wert not near me.
And should my heart for sorrow break,
My trust in Thee no one could shake.
Thou art the Portion I have sought;
Thy precious blood my soul has bought.
Lord Jesus Christ,
My God and Lord, my God and Lord,
Forsake me not! I trust Thy Word.

2. Yea, Lord, 'twas Thy rich bounty gave
My body, soul, and all I have
In this poor life of labor.
Lord, grant that I in every place
May glorify Thy lavish grace
And serve and help my neighbor.
Let no false doctrine me beguile
And Satan not my soul defile.
Give strength and patience unto me
To bear my cross and follow Thee.
Lord Jesus Christ,
My God and Lord, my God and Lord,
In death Thy comfort still afford.

3. Lord, let at last Thine angels come,
To Abram's bosom bear me home,
That I may die unfearing;
And in its narrow chamber keep
My body safe in peaceful sleep
Until Thy reappearing.
And then from death awaken me
That these mine eyes with joy may see,
O Son of God, Thy glorious face,
My Savior and my Fount of grace,
Lord Jesus Christ,
My prayer attend, my prayer attend,
And I will praise Thee without end.

Hymn #429 from The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Psalm 18
Author: Martin Schalling, c. 1567
Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt.
Titled: "Herzlich lieb hab' ich dich, o Herr"
Tune: "Herzlich lieb hab' ich dir, o Herr"
1st Published in: Berhnard Schmid's Orgelbuch
Town: Strassburg, 1577

The Lutheran Hymnal - Lord, Help Us Ever to Retain

"Lord, Help Us Ever to Retain"
by Ludwig Helmbold
Translated by Matthias Loy, 1828-1915

Tune - Herr Jesu Christ, mein's - linked here

1. Lord, help us ever to retain
The Catechism's doctrine plain
As Luther taught the Word of Truth
In simple style to tender youth.

2. Help us Thy holy Law to learn,
To mourn our sin, and from it turn
In faith to Thee and to Thy Son
And Holy Spirit, Three in One.

3. Hear us, dear Father, when we pray
For needed help from day to day
That as Thy children we may live,
Whom Thou in Baptism didst receive.

4. Lord, when we fall and sin doth stain,
Absolve and lift us up again;
And through the Sacrament increase
Our faith till we depart in peace.


Notes from The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #288 from The Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Ex. 20: 1-17
Author: Ludwig Helmbold, 1594
Translated by: Matthias Loy, 1880, alt.
Titled: "Her Gott, erhalt uns fuer und fuer"
Tune: "Herr Jesu Christ, mein's"
1st Published in: As Hymnodus Sacer
Town: Leipzig, 1625

The Lutheran Hymnal - Lord To Thee I Make Confession - Winkworth Translation - #326

"Lord, to Thee I Make Confession"
By Johann Franck, 1618-1677

Tune - "Herr, ich habe missgehandelt"

1. Lord, to Thee I make confession;
I have sinned and gone astray,
I have multiplied transgression,
Chosen for myself my way,
Led by Thee to see my errors,
Lord, I tremble at Thy terrors.

2. Yet, though conscience' voice appal me,
Father, I will seek Thy face;
Though Thy child I dare not call me,
Yet receive me to Thy grace.
Do not for my sins forsake me;
Do not let Thy wrath o'ertake me.

3. For Thy Son did suffer for me,
Gave Himself to rescue me,
Died to heal me and restore me,
Reconciled me unto Thee.
'Tis alone His cross can vanquish
These dark fears and soothe this anguish.

4. Then on Him I cast my burden,
Sink it in the depths below.
Let me know Thy gracious pardon,
Wash me, make me white as snow.
Let Thy Spirit leave me never;
Make me only Thine forever.

Hymn #326
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Ps 139: 7-10
Author: Johann Franck, 1649, cento
Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt.
Titled: "Herr, ich habe missgehandelt"
Composer: Johann Crueger, 1649
Tune: "Herr, ich habe missgehandelt"

Hymn - Speak O Lord, Thy Servant Heareth

"Speak, O Lord, Thy Servant Heareth"
by Anna Sophia of Hesse, 1638-1683
Translated by George A.T. Rygh, 1860-1942

Tune - Werde munter - linked here

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.

Hymn #296
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: 1 Samuel 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"

Finishing the I AM Sermons of Jesus in the Gospel of John

September is close - and I will go over the draft of the I AM Sermons in the Gospel of John.

After that is published, I will begin a new book on the parables in Matthew, Mark, and John.

When the parables are finished, I plan to enhance the Bethany Lutheran Hymnal blog and produce a book about hymns and the stories behind them.

Hymn - Jerusalem, My Happy Home

"Jerusalem, My Happy Home"
by F.B.P., c. 1580

Tune - St. Peter - linked here

1. Jerusalem, my happy home,
Name ever dear to me,
When shall my labors have an end?
Thy joys when shall I see?

2. When shall these eyes thy heav'n-built walls
And pearly gates behold,
Thy bulwarks with salvation strong,
And streets of shining gold?

3. Oh, when, thou city of my God,
Shall I thy courts ascend
Where evermore the angels sing,
Where Sabbaths have no end?

4. Apostles, martyrs, prophets, there
Around my Savior stand;
And soon my friends in Christ below
Will join the glorious band.

5. Jerusalem, my happy home,
When shall I come to thee?
When shall my labors have an end?
Thy joys when shall I see?

6. O Christ, do Thou my soul prepare
For that bright home of love
That I may see Thee and adore
With all Thy saints above.

Hymn #618
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Psalm 42:2
Author: F.B.P., c. 1580
Cento 1801, alt.
Composer: Alexander R. Reinagle, 1836
Tune: "St. Peter"