Dearest Jesu, We Are Here

Dearest Jesu, we are here,
At Thy call, Thy presence owning;
Pleading now in holy fear
That Thy sacrifice atoning;
Word incarnate, much in wonder
On this mystery deep we ponder.

Under forms of bread and wine
Simple hearts in faith adore Thee:
Born of Mary, Son divine,
Low we bow the knee before Thee
Opening heart alike and coffer,
Body, soul, to Thee we offer.

Jesu, strong to save—the same
Yesterday, today, for ever—
Make us fear and love Thy Name,
Serving Thee with best endeavor;
In this life, O ne’er forsake us,
But to bliss hereafter take us.

Author: Tobias Clausnitzer

Year: 1668

Original German text "Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier" written by Tobias Clausnitzer (1619–1684) and first published in 1668; the English version is a translation (most commonly attributed to Catherine Winkworth or similar 19th-century translators).