Imagine a rolling piano score, the sweet timber of a soprano solo and finally the swelling sounds of a choir. This is one of my favorite hymns. The lyrics were written by Bernard of Clairvaux in the 12th century. The music was arranged by Johann Sebastian Bach in the 18th century. Combined they speak a truth that is powerful yet beautiful.

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down;
Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, thine only crown;
O sacred Head, what glory, what bliss till now was thine!
Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call thee mine.

What thou, my Lord, hast suffered was all for sinners' gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression, but thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior! 'Tis I deserve thy place;
Look on me with thy favor, vouchsafe to me thy grace.

What language shall I borrow to thank thee dearest Friend!
For this, thy dying sorrow, thy pity without end?
O make me thine forever, and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to thee."

The last line "O make me thine forever, and should I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to thee." is my life's prayer. I pray that the Lord would take me home before I would betray Him.