



              "Speak, O Lord, Thy Servant Heareth"

                   by Anna Sophia of Hesse, 1638-1683

        Translated by George A.T. Rygh, 1860-1942

                                  Text From:

                       THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL

        (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941)







        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.



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        Notes:

        Hymn #296 from _The Lutheran Hymnal_

        Text: 1 Sam. 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"

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        This text was converted to ascii format for Project Wittenberg

        by Cindy A. Beesley and is in the public domain.  You may

        freely distribute, copy or print this text.  Please direct any

        comments or suggestions to: Rev. Robert E. Smith of the Walther

        Library at Concordia Theological Seminary.



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