"We Thank Thee, Jesus, Dearest Friend" by Unknown Translated by Matthias Loy, 1828-1915 Text From: THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941) 1. We thank Thee, Jesus, dearest Friend, That Thou didst into heaven ascend. O blessed Savior, bid us live And strength to soul and body give. Hallelujah! 2. Ascended to His throne on high, Hid from our sight, yet always nigh; He rules and reigns at God's right hand And has all power at His command. Hallelujah! 3. The man who trusts in Him is blest And finds in Him eternal rest; This world's allurements we despise And fix on Christ alone our eyes. Hallelujah! 4. We therefore heartily rejoice And sing His praise with cheerful voice; He captive led captivity, From bitter death He set us free. Hallelujah! 5. Through Him we heirs of heaven are made; O Brother, Christ, extend Thine aid That we may firmly trust in Thee And through Thee live eternally. Hallelujah! _______________________________________________________ Notes: Hymn #223 from The Lutheran Hymnal Text: Eph. 4:8 Author: Unknown, 1607, cento. Translated by: Matthias Loy, 1880, alt. Titled: "Wir danken dir, Herr Jesu Christ" Tune: "Erschienen ist" Composer: Nikolaus Herman, 1560 ______________________________________________________________ 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. E-mail: CFWLibrary@CRF.CUIS.EDU Surface Mail: 6600 N. Clinton St., Ft. Wayne, IN 46825 USA Phone: (219) 481-2123 Fax: (219) 481-2126 ______________________________________________________________