612
Deck Thyself, My Soul, with Gladness
1 Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness, leave the gloomy haunts of sadness. Come into the daylight’s splendor; there with joy thy praises render unto Christ, whose grace unbounded hath this wondrous banquet founded. High o’er all the heavens he reigneth, yet to dwell with thee he deigneth. 2 Sun, who all my life dost brighten; Light, who dost my soul enlighten; Joy, the best that any knoweth; Fount, whence all my being floweth; at thy feet I cry, my Maker, let me be a fit partaker of this blessed food from heaven, for our good, thy glory, given. 3 Jesus, bread of life, I pray thee, let me gladly here obey thee; never to my hurt invited, be thy love with love requited. From this banquet let me measure, Lord, how vast and deep its treasure; through the gifts thou here dost give me, as thy guest in heaven receive me.
WORDS: Catherine Winkworth, 1863; Johann Franck, 1649
MUSIC: Johann Crüger, 1653
Scripture: Matthew 22:14 John 6:35-58
Theme: Adoration and Praise; Holy Communion; The Sacraments and Rites of the Church: Eucharist (Holy Communion or The Lord's Supper)