Jesus the Very Thought of Thee

Bernard of Clairvaux Latin Hymn, 12th Century [Key: Eb] Verse 1 Jesus, the very thought of Thee With sweetness fills the breast; But sweeter far Thy face to see, And in Thy presence rest. Verse 2 Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame, Nor can the memory find A sweeter sound than Thy blest Name, O Savior of mankind! Verse 3 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! Verse 4 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. Verse 5 O Jesus, Light of all below, Thou Fount of living fire, Surpassing all the joys we know, And all we can desire. Verse 6 Thee, Jesus, may our voices bless, Thee may we love alone, And ever in our lives express The image of Thine own. Verse 7 O most sweet Jesus, hear the sighs Which unto Thee we send; To Thee our inmost spirit cries; To Thee our souls ascend. Verse 8 Abide with us, and let Thy light Shine, Lord, on every heart; Dispel the darkness of our night; And joy to us impart. Verse 9 Jesus, our love and joy to Thee, The virgin's holy Son, All might and praise and glory be, While endless ages run.