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The Open Hymnal · No. 88 · Words: Martin Janus; tr. Robert Bridges · Tune: Jesus bleibet meine Freude
Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring
Create PowerPoint slides from this hymn →A beloved English rendering of the German chorale 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring,' with text originally by Martin Janus (1661) and translated by Robert Bridges (c. 1899). Made famous worldwide through Johann Sebastian Bach's cantata setting (BWV 147, 1723).
Verse 1
Jesus joy of man's desiring Holy wisdom,
love most bright; Drawn by Thee,
our souls aspiring Soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
With the fire of life impassioned,
Striving still to truth unknown, Soaring,
dying round Thy throne.
Verse 2
Through the way where hope is guiding Hark,
what peaceful music rings; Where the flock,
in Thee confiding Drink of joy from deathless springs.
Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure;
Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead Thine own In the love of joys unknown.
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