This Paul Gerhardt hymn (1653) has been sitting in my folder of lyrics that I have enjoyed and want to rewrite. This past week we mourned the loss of a man in our community and I was longing for a hymn that spoke of our whole hearted devotion and trust in Jesus our savior. When I found this hymn I immediately started making music. We recorded it this past Sunday during worship.
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vocals: Nathan Partain
guitar: Nathan Partain
viola: Ashley Overley, Ellen Davis
violin: Laura Davis, Leila Vanest, Sarah Kamer
bass: Melodi Miller
drums: Joe Lamusga
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Jesus Thy Boundless Love to Me (listen) (chords)
Jesus, Thy boundless love to me, No thought can reach, no tongue declare;
Unite my thankful heart with Thee, And reign without a rival there.
To Thee alone, dear Lord, I live; Myself to Thee, dear Lord, I give.
Myself to Thee, dear Lord, I give.
O, grant that nothing in my soul, May dwell but Thy pure love alone!
Oh, may Thy love possess me whole, My joy, my treasure, and my crown!
All coldness from my heart remove; My every act, word, thought, be love.
My every act, word, thought, be love.
This love unwearied I pursue, And dauntlessly to Thee aspire.
Oh, may Thy love my hope renew, Burn in my soul like heavenly fire!
And day and night be all my care, To guard this sacred treasure there.
To guard this sacred treasure there.
O that I, as a little child, May follow Thee, and never rest,
Till sweetly Thou hast breathed Thy mild, And lowly mind into my breast!
Nor ever may we parted be, Till I become as one with Thee.
Till I become as one with Thee.
In suffering be Thy love my peace, In weakness be Thy love my power;
And when the storms of life shall cease, Jesus, in that important hour,
In death as life be Thou my guide, And save me, Who for me hast died.
And save me, Who for me hast died.
Nathan Partain 