O Jesus, King most wonderful

O Jesus, King most wonderful,
thou Conqueror renowned,
thou sweetness most ineffable,
in whom all joys are found.

When once thou visitest the heart,
then truth begins to shine,
then earthly vanities depart,
then kindles love divine.

O Jesus, Light of all below,
thou Fount of life and fire,
surpassing all the joys we know,
and all we can desire;

May every heart confess thy Name;
thy wondrous love adore,
and seeking thee, their hearts inflame
to seek thee more and more.

Thee, Jesus, may our voices bless,
thee may we love alone;
and ever in our lives express
the image of thine own.

Words: Bernard of Clairvaux, twelfth century;
trans. Edward Caswall, 1849

Music: St. Agnes, King's Norton, St. Botolph, Dalehurst, Metzler's Redhead

Meter: CM

Website compiled by Steve Benner, 1999-2003.