O Jesus, thou art standing Outside the fast-closed door, In lowly patience waiting To pass the threshold o'er: Shame on us, Christian brothers, His name and sign who bear, O shame, thrice shame upon us, To keep him standing there!
O Jesus, thou art knocking; And lo, that hand is scarred, And thorns thy brow encircle, And tears thy face have marred: O love that passeth knowledge, So patiently to wait! Oh sin that hath no equal, So fast to bar the gate!
O Jesus, thou art pleading In accents meek and low, "I died for you, my children, And will ye treat me so?" O Lord, with shame and sorrow We open now the door; Dear Savior, enter, enter, And leave us nevermore. Amin.