Lyra Germanica Second Series The Christian Life

I.
The Preparation.

10,9,10,7,5,8,8,8,8,5

Herr Jesu Christe mein getreuer Hirte

[205]Johann Heermann.1630.

Lord Jesus Christ, my faithful Shepherd, hear!

Feed me with Thy grace, draw inly near.

By Thee redeem'd, in Thee alone I live,

All I need 'tis Thou canst give:

Kyrie Eleison!

Ah Lord, Thy timid sheep now feed

With joy upon Thy heavenly mead,

Lead us to the crystal river

Whence our life is flowing ever:

Kyrie Eleison!

For Thou art calling all the toil-oppress'd,

All the weary to Thy rest;

The pardon of their sins is here bestow'd,

Thou dost free them from their load:

Kyrie Eleison!

Ah come, Thyself put forth Thine hand,

Unbind this heavy iron band,

Set me from my sorrows free,

Give me strength to follow Thee:

Kyrie Eleison!

Thou fain wouldst heart and soul to Thee incline,

Take me from myself and make me Thine;

Thou art the Vine and I the branch, oh grant

I may grow in Thee a living plant:

Kyrie Eleison!

For nought but sins I find in me,

Yet are they done away in Thee;

Mine are anguish, fear, unrest,

But in Thee, Lord, I am blest:

Kyrie Eleison!