500: Unto God shall I be singing

Unto God shall I be singing, ever glad and thankful be. In His plan for souls’ salvation, clearly I His goodness see. It is naught but loving kindness which His gracious heart doth move. Endless, it confirms to prove, God will bless all who see clearly. Earthly things shall pass away, God’s love will for ever stay!

God’s own Son, a gift most precious, yet to mankind He was sent. From eternal pain and torment saved my soul; His blood was spent. O Thou fount of depth and beauty, how can I, with human mind, fathom why Thou art so kind, though I search with zealous duty. Earthly things shall pass away, God’s love will for ever stay!

Holy Spirit, faithful Leader, granted to me by rebirth, be my constant guide and ruler both in heav’n and here on earth. O, may Thou my heart be filling with Thy radiant truth and light; vanquish death and all its might, all its pow’r and mis’ry stilling. Earthly things shall pass away, God’s love will for ever stay!

Lord, I know thy love is endless, boundless, too, Thy mercy mild. Thus, I plead, hands to Thee raising: Gracious Father, hear Thy child! Please extend to me Thy favour, grant new strength and grace, I pray! Be Thou near me night and day, in Thy presence dwell for ever. Praise and honour, all are Thine, now and ever, Lord divine!

Words: Paul Gerhardt (1607-1676) / Melody: Johann Schop (ca. 1600-1665)