Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness

Verse 1

Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness, leave the gloomy haunts of sadness; come into the daylight's splendour, there with joy thy praises render unto him whose grace unbounded hath this wondrous banquet founded: high o'er all the heavens he reigneth, yet to dwell with thee he deigneth.

Verse 2

Now I sink before thee lowly, filled with joy most deep and holy, as with trembling awe and wonder on thy mighty works I ponder: how, by mystery surrounded, depth no mortal ever sounded, none may dare to pierce unbidden secrets that with thee are hidden.

Verse 3

Sun, who all my life dost brighten, light, who dost my soul enlighten, joy, the sweetest heart e'er knoweth, fount, whence all my being floweth, at thy feet I cry, my Maker, let me be a fit partaker of this blessed food from heaven, for our good, thy glory, given.

Verse 4

Jesus, Bread of Life, I pray thee, let me gladly here obey thee; never to my hurt invited, be thy love with love requited: from this banquet let me measure, Lord, how vast and deep its treasure; through the gifts thou here dost give me, as thy guest in heaven receive me.