Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Jesus, Grant That Balm and Healing

Wonderful Passion hymn by the great Lutheran hymn writer, Johann Heerman (1585-1647).  Sung to the tune DER AM KREUZ by Johann Balthasar Koenig (1691-1758).

Jesus, grant that balm and healing
    In Your holy wounds I find,
Ev’ry hour that I am feeling
    Pains of body and of mind.
Should some evil thought within
Tempt my treach’rous heart to sin,
    Show the peril, and from sinning
    Keep me from its first beginning.

Should some lust or sharp temptation
    Fascinate my sinful mind,
Draw me to Your cross and Passion,
    And new courage I shall find.
Or should Satan press me hard,
Let me then be on my guard,
    Saying, “Christ for me was wounded,”
    That the tempter flee confounded.

If the world my heart entices
    With the broad and easy road,
With seductive, sinful vices,
    Let me weigh the awful load
You were willing to endure.
Help me flee all thoughts impure
    And to master each temptation,
    Calm in prayer and meditation.

Ev’ry wound that pains or grieves me
    By Your wounds, Lord, is made whole;
When I’m faint, Your cross revives me,
    Granting new life to my soul.
Yes, Your comfort renders sweet
Ev’ry bitter cup I meet;
    For Your all-atoning passion
    Has procured my soul’s salvation.

O my God, my Rock and Tower,
    Grant that in Your death I trust,
Knowing death has lost its power
    Since You crushed it in the dust.
Savior, let Your agony
Ever help and comfort me;
    When I die be my protection,
    Light and life and resurrection.

No comments: