Author: Karl Philipp Spitta (1801-1859) Composer: Hans Georg Nägeli (1773-1836)
1. Rejoice, the Father loves us here, In sympathy remembers, And all the gifts we need to cheer So graciously He renders. What lack we then, yet further, when Our Father has such pleasure To share with us His treasure?
2. Though we may roam the wide world o’er, And have no earthly treasure, Our Father’s love can give us more Than worlds of wealth can measure. We have no fear of need while here, For we shall lack in nothing Of daily food and clothing.
3. He who for us so much has done To purchase our salvation, Who gave His own beloved Son For our propitiation, He who bestows such love on foes Will He, our God and Father, Not care for us much rather?
4. Before His throne of grace we may Present ourselves with boldness, Nor fear that he will turn away His face from us with coldness. He will and can hear ev’ry man Who offers His petition With faith and true submission.
5. In Jesus Christ the Father’s heart Is open to receive us; We fly to Him when inward smart And outward troubles grieve us. There we may rest secure and blest, Exposed no more to dangers, To care and sorrow strangers.
6. Think ye the near approach of death Can make our hearts feel sadly? Ah, no, when “Come” the Father saith, We’ll travel homeward gladly. Far better ’twere that we were there! “Oh, would that He would call us!” We sigh when grief befalls us.
7. He loveth us; that is enough To fill our hearts with gladness; He loveth us; that is enough To banish ev’ry sadness. Lord, grant that we love also Thee With love true and unceasing, Yea, ev’ry day increasing.