Jesus, The Very Thought Of Thee

Jesus, the very thought of Thee

With sweetness fills the breast;

But sweeter far Thy face to see,

And in Thy presence rest.

O hope of every contrite heart,

O joy of all the meek,

To those who fall, how kind Thou art!

How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find? Ah, this

Nor tongue nor pen can show;

The love of Jesus, what it is,

None but His loved ones know.

Jesus, our only joy be Thou,

As Thou our prize will be;

Jesus be Thou our glory now,

And through eternity.

Abide with us, and let Thy light

Shine, Lord, on every heart;

Dispel the darkness of our night;

And joy to all impart.

Jesus, our love and joy to Thee,

The virgin’s holy Son,

All might and praise and glory be,

While endless ages run.

~Words: St. Bernard of Clairvaux, 12th Century; translated from Latin to English by Edward Caswall & Music: John Dykes