Lord Jesus! when we think of Thee

1
Lord Jesus! when we think of Thee,
  Of all Thy love and grace,
Our spirits long and fain would see
  Thy beauty face to face.
2
And though the wilderness we tread,
  A barren, thirsty ground,
With thorns and briars overspread,
  Where foes and snares abound;
3
Yet in Thy love such depths we see,
  Our hearts o’erflow with praise—
Content ourselves, while, Lord to Thee
  A joyful song we raise.
4
Our Lord, our Life, our Rest, our Shield,
  Our Rock, our Food, our Light;
Each thought of Thee doth constant yield
  Unchanging, fresh delight.
5
Blest Savior, keep our spirit stayed,
  Hard following after Thee,
Till we, in victory displayed,
  Thy face in glory see.
2
Steve Miller

Detroit, Michigan, United States

The original is written in the singular:

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Stanza 1 line 1 - Lord Jesus! when I think on Thee

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Stanza 3 Yet in Thy love such depths I see

My soul o'erflows with praise --

Contents itself, while, Lord, to Thee

A joyful song I raise

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Stanza 4 lines 1 & 2 My Lord, my Life, my Rest, my Shield,

My Rock, my Food, my Light;

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Stanza 5 My Savior, keep my spirit stayed,

Hard following after thee;

Till I, in robes of white arrayed,

Thy face in glory see.

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James George Deck was educated for the army, and became an officer in the Indian service. Retiring from the army, and having joined the Plymouth Brethren, he undertook, in 1843, the charge of a congregation of that body, at Wellington, Somerset. In 1852 be went abroad and settled in New Zealand. - Dictionary of Hymnology by John Julian

James Deck wrote of his youth, "I hoped there were no God," yet his mother's training pursued after him. "She read to me of Jesus, Of all his grace and love." After his conversion, the study of scripture revealed the doctrinal error of his Anglican upbringing. Forsaking all, he set his heart to follow God "at any cost." Later, his son testified this determination was "a trust never disappointed." - Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs


Patrick Garnes

Newton Terrace, Christ Church, Barbados

Searching for a Hymn that speaks of "thinking about Jesus" I came across this lovely one with both quality tune and lyrics. Congratulations to you and praises and thanks to the Lord . May the Lord bless you richly.

Piano Hymns