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The United Methodist Hymnal · No. 644 · Words: Martin Janus; tr. Robert Bridges · Tune: JESU, JOY OF MAN'S DESIRING
Jesus, Joy of Our Desiring
Create PowerPoint slides from this hymn →A beloved English paraphrase of Martin Janus's 1661 German chorale, set to J.S. Bach's melody from Cantata BWV 147. Robert Bridges's 1899 translation meditates on the soul's longing for Christ as the source of joy, wisdom, and eternal life.
Verse 1
Jesus, joy of our 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 truths 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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