All You Who are Thirsty Now Come to the Waters!

All You Who are Thirsty Now Come to the Waters!
Isaiah 55:1-7

Text: John A. Dalles
Tune: ST. CLEMENT
Meter: 9.8.9.8.

All you who are thirsty now come to the waters.
For this is yours, come buy and eat.
Come buy milk and wine - O come sons, O come daughters.

As Christ your salvation with praises you greet.

Why would you spend money for that which is useless?
You could be fed by wholesome bread.
Why would you waste labor on that which is worthless?
You could be working for Jesus instead.

So carefully listen to hear the Lord speaking.
In God’s good grace may you delight.
The blessings abundant all people are seeking,
Are present right here, in your reach, in your sight!

Be downhearted, never, God’s promise forever
Is yours, with love that is sure and true;
God’s witness, you shall be, in Christs service ever,
Shall cause all the nations to flock to you!

O seek the Lord while He may be found,
And call upon Him when He is near,
Return to the Lord, for blessings abound,
God’s mercy, God’s pardon, are offered here!



Copyright © 2024, John A. Dalles

ST CLEMENT is a lovely tune that allows for some variation on where one puts the syllables, so the lines in this hymn text are not rigidly identical from one stanza to the next.  Even so, with a little bit of anticipation and practice, this hymn flows along nicely as it should.  Give it a try!