Scripture Verse

Jesus said to her, Touch Me not, for I am not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I ascend unto My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God. John 20:17

Introduction

portrait
Christopher Wordsworth
1807–1885

Words: Chris­to­pher Words­worth, The Ho­ly Year (Lon­don: Riv­ing­tons, 1862), num­ber 48. The third verse was add­ed in the 1863 edi­tion.

Music: Dix Con­rad Koch­er, Stim­men aus dem Reiche Gott­es, 1838 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

portrait
Conrad Kocher
1786–1872

Lyrics

Touch Me not, to Mary said
Jesus, risen from the dead;
For as yet I am not gone
Upward to My heav’nly throne;
Quit Me; bid My brethren know,
To My God and theirs I go.

We who, Lord, Thy Godhead have,
Carnal presence do not crave;
Faith Thee sees in Heaven stand,
Faith Thee touches with her hand;
We with hearts and minds arise,
And we touch Thee in the skies.

Hearts and minds to Thee arise,
Touching Thee above the skies;
Touching Thee when offering there
Incense of prevailing prayer;
Pleading in Thy Father’s eyes
Thine atoning sacrifice.

Give us grace to touch aright,
Live by faith and not by sight,
So, when earthly storms are o’er,
May we reach the peaceful shore,
And may there Thy glory see,
Dwelling ever, Lord, with Thee.