Bernard of Clairvaux
Latin Hymn, 12th Century
[Key: Eb]
Verse 1
Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast;
But sweeter far Thy face to see,
And in Thy presence rest.
Verse 2
Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find
A sweeter sound than Thy blest Name,
O Savior of mankind!
Verse 3
O Hope of every contrite heart,
O Joy of all the meek,
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!
Verse 4
But what to those who find?
Ah, this Nor tongue nor pen can show;
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His loved ones know.
Verse 5
O Jesus, Light of all below,
Thou Fount of living fire,
Surpassing all the joys we know,
And all we can desire.
Verse 6
Thee, Jesus, may our voices bless,
Thee may we love alone,
And ever in our lives express
The image of Thine own.
Verse 7
O most sweet Jesus, hear the sighs
Which unto Thee we send;
To Thee our inmost spirit cries;
To Thee our souls ascend.
Verse 8
Abide with us, and let Thy light Shine,
Lord, on every heart;
Dispel the darkness of our night;
And joy to us impart.
Verse 9
Jesus, our love and joy to Thee,
The virgin’s holy Son,
All might and praise and glory be,
While endless ages run.