"Lord Jesus Christ, Thou hast Prepared"

                  by Samuel Kinner, 1603-1668

       Translated by Emanuel Cronenwett, 1841-1931

                                 Text From:

                      THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL

        (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941)







        1. Lord Jesus Christ, Thou hast prepared

        A feast for our salvation,

        It is Thy body and Thy blood;

        And at Thy invitation

        As weary souls, with sin opprest,

        We come to Thee for needed rest,

        For comfort and for pardon.



        2. Although Thou didst to heaven ascend,

        Where angel hosts are dwelling,

        And in Thy presence they behold

        Thy glory all excelling,

        And though Thy people shall not see

        Thy glory and Thy majesty

        Till dawns the Judgment morning,



        3. Yet, Savior, Thou art not confined

        To any habitation,

        But Thou art present everywhere

        And with Thy congregation.

        Firm as a rock this truth shall stand,

        Unmoved by any daring hand

        Or subtle craft and cunning.



        4. We eat this bread and drink this cup,

        Thy precious Word believing

        That Thy true body and Thy blood

        Our lips are here receiving.

        This word remains forever true,

        And there is naught Thou canst not do;

        For Thou, Lord, art almighty.



        5. Though reason cannot understand,

        Yet faith this truth embraces;

        Thy body, Lord, is everywhere

        At once in many places.

        How this can be I leave to Thee,

        Thy word alone sufficeth me,

        I trust its truth unfailing.



        6. Lord, I believe what Thou hast said,

        Help me when doubts assail me;

        Remember that I am but dust

        And let my faith not fail me.

        Thy Supper in this vale of tears

        Refreshes me and stills my fears

        And is my priceless treasure.



        7. Grant that we worthily receive

        Thy Supper, Lord, our Savior,

        And, truly grieving o'er our sins,

        May prove by our behavior

        That we are thankful for Thy grace

        And day by day may run our race,

        In holiness increasing.



        8. For Thy consoling Supper, Lord,

        Be praised throughout all ages!

        Preserve it, for in every place

        The world against it rages.

        Grant that this Sacrament may be

        A blessed comfort unto me

        When living and when dying.



        


        Notes:

        Hymn #306 from _The Lutheran Hymnal_

        Text: 1 Cor. 11: 26

        Author: Samuel Kinner, 1638

        Translated by: Emanuel Cronenwett, 1880, ad.

        Titled: "Herr Jesu Christ, du hast bereit't"

        Composer:  Peter Sohren, 1668

        Tune: "Herr Jesu Christ, du hast bereit't"