My Maker, Be Thou Nigh - #335 - Rambach

"My Maker, Be Thou Nigh"
by Johann J. Rambach, 1693-1735
Translated by E. Taylor, ?-1938

1. My Maker, be Thou nigh
The light of life to give
And guide me with Thine eye
While here on earth I live.
To Thee my heart I tender
And all my powers surrender;
Make it my one endeavor
To love and serve Thee ever.
Upon Thy promise I rely;
My Maker, be Thou nigh.

2. My Savior, wash me clean
With Thy most precious blood,
That takes away all sin
And seals my peace with God
My soul in peace abideth
When in Thy wounds it hideth.
There I find full salvation
And freedom from damnation.
Without Thee lost, defiled by sin,
My Savior, wash me clean.

3. My Comforter, give power
That I may stand secure
When in temptation's hour
The world and sin allure.
The Son to me revealing,
Inspire my thought and feeling,
His Word of grace to ponder,
Nor let me from Him wander,
On me Thy gifts and graces shower:
My Comforter, give power!

4. O Holy Trinity!
To whom I all things owe,
Thine image graciously
Within my heart bestow.
Choose me, though weak and lowly,
To be Thy temple holy
Where praise shall rise unending
For grace so condescending.
O heavenly bliss, Thine own to be,
O Holy Trinity!

Hymn #335
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Ps. 119:8
Author: Johann J. Rambach, 1735
Translated by: E. Taylor, 1925, alt.
Titled: "mein Schoepfer, steh mir bei"
Composer: Franz H. Meyer
Tune: "Mein Schoepfer, steh mir bei"