Johann Franck wrote I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say in the 17th century. The music for his hymn is unusual, because it has a minor key verse and major key refrain. The contrast reflects on how the difficulties of life (minor key) are answered by the love of the Savior (major key).
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto me and rest;
lay down, O weary one, lay down your head upon my breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was, so weary, worn, and sad;
I found in him a resting place, and he has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold, I freely give
the living water, thirsty one; stoop down and drink and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in him.
I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s light.
Look unto me; your morn shall rise and all your day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus, and I found in him my star, my sun;
and in that light of life I’ll walk till trav’ling days are done.
Hymn tune: JESUS, MEINE FREUDE
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