This simple devotional hymn is one of my favorites! The melody comes from David Gregor Cormer’s magnum opus, the Gross Catholisches Gesängbuch (“Great Catholic Hymnal”), published in 1631. The text is an Irish prayer, and I was happy to find two additional verses that do not appear in the Pius X hymnal, which is one traditional hymnal our choir uses – and how I’m familiar with this hymn.
Sheet music
Audio
Full text was found online in the book, Visits to Jesus in the Tabernacle.
1. Within Thy Sacred Heart, dear Lord,
My anxious thoughts shall rest.
I neither ask for life nor death.
Thou knowest what is best.
2. Say only Thou hast pardoned me,
Say only I am Thine.
In all things else dispose of me.
Thy Holy Will is mine.
3. Ah! why is not my love for Thee
Unbounded, past control?
Alas! my heart obeyeth not
The impulse of my soul!
4. Ah, Jesus! if love’s trusting prayer
Seem not too bold to Thee,
Place Thy own heart within my breast;
Love Thou Thyself for me!
For more hymns to the Sacred Heart, please see the List of Catholic Hymns, Songs, and Chants.
