Author: Albert Knapp, 1826 (1798-1864) Composer: Hans Georg Nägeli (1773-1836)
1. God, my life’s Creator, Grant me grace and favor Not to live in vain. Lord, Thy love so holy, And Thy Spirit lowly In my heart shall reign. Thy likeness Let me possess; With Thy care and Thy direction, Bring it to perfection!
2. On those heights up yonder, Hosts shall stand asunder In bright radiance; Those, who in life’s morning, Sinful pleasures scorning, Went to Thee from hence. Therefore they Shall ever stay With the saints whose song increases In Thy praise, Lord Jesus!
3. Jesus, friend of children, Thou who for the sinners Didst on earth appear, O, how kind and tender Was Thy heart to render Loving help and cheer! Lord, that we Become like Thee In our thought and conversation, Be our emulation.
4. Blest is he who loves Thee; Blest, who aims sincerely, God, Thy child to be. Such pure inclinations, Thy love’s inspirations, Give, O Lord, to me, That I wear In heaven fair Thy blest, pure and holy likeness In eternal brightness.