Hymns of the Lutheran Church

586 My God, I know that I must die:

1 My God, I know that I must die: My mortal life is passing hence; On earth I neither hope nor try To find a lasting residence. Then teach me by Thy heavenly grace With joy and peace my death to face. 2 My God, I know not when I die; What is the moment or the hour, How soon the clay may broken lie, How quickly pass away the flower. Then may Thy child prepared be Through time to meet eternity. 3 My God, I know not how I die; For death has many ways to come, In dark mysterious agony, Or gently as a sleep to some. Just as Thou wilt, if but it be To bring me, blessed Lord, to Thee! 4 My God, I know not where I die, Where is my grave, beneath what sky, Yet from its gloom I do rely To be delivered by Thy hand. Content I take what spot is mine, Since all the earth, my Lord, is Thine. 5 My gracious God, when I must die, O bear my happy soul above, With Christ, my Lord, eternally To share Thy glory and Thy love. Then comes it right and well to me When, where, and how my death shall be.

Text Information

Author
B. Schmolck, 1700
Translator
Mrs. Sarah Findlater, 1854

Tune Information

Name
St. Matthias
Meter
8s. 6l.
Source
W. H. Monk, 1861