Saturday, August 31, 2013

Heart to Heart in Christ United

What: The hymn below is of Moravian origin, and was once popular for weddings. Most translations (and there are quite a few) make this an odd thing, since the original hymn was talking about unity in the church, although unity in wedlock is not a great stretch. So, I've adapted the text for a wedding context.
Who: This was written by the famous Pietist Moravian Preacher, Count Nicolaus von Zinzendorf, known to most hymn lovers for Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness.
Changes: I've taken the most wedlock-appropriate parts of different translations, altered pronouns where needed, updated the language, and smoothened it all out.
Tune: The tune is O du liebe meiner liebe, LSB 423.

Heart to Heart in Christ united,
And by Him created new;
By His love divine excited,
Each of you, as He did do.
So that nothing whatsoever
Can relax this blessed tie,
In Your love, most gracious Savior,
Grant them both stability.

Help them, that with Your direction,
"Love each other" they comply,
Aiming with unfeigned affection
Your love to exemplify.
Let their mutual love be glowing,
So that others plainly see
That they both in You are growing
As one branch eternally.

Oh, that they, Your steps to follow,
Midst affliction, scorn, and spite,
And Your sacred name to hallow,
Did each other more excite!
Help them stir up one another,
Jesus, to keep You in view,
Thus encouraging each other,
Your example to pursue.

Thus these souls here joined together
Will, according to Your prayer,
Be fulfilled by Your dear Father,
And His kind protection share.
Lord, as You're with Him united,
Grant them likewise one to be,
And, by genuine love excited, 
Serve each other willingly.
Herz und Herz vereint zusammen
Count Nicolaus von Zinzendorf
Adapt. MDS

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