1 Out of the depths I cry to Thee,
Lord, mark my lamentation;
O bow Thine ear in grace to me,
And hear my supplication:
If Thou shouldst pass in close review
My sins and all the ill I do,
Lord, who can stand before Thee!
2 Works never can God's pardon gain,
Here grace alone availeth;
Our choicest works all have a stain,
The best among us faileth;
Before Thee none can boasting stand,
But all must fear thy strict demand,
And live alone by mercy.
3 My hope I rest then on the Lord,
And build not on my merit;
My soul shall trust His gracious Word,
'Tis this upholds my spirit:
His promised mercy is my stay,
My joy and comfort day by day:
This is my firm reliance.
4 What though it tarry all the night
And till the dawn appeareth,
My heart still trusteth in His might,
It doubteth not, nor feareth:
So let the Israelite indeed,
Born of the Spirit, hope in need—
And wait, till God appeareth.
5 Although our sin be very great,
God's mercies far exceed it;
His hand can help, though sore the strait,
And great the grace that's needed:
He is the Shepherd of the sheep,
Who Israel doth guard and keep,
And save from sin and evil.
Text Information | |
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First Line: | Out of the depths I cry to Thee |
Language: | English |
Publication Date: | 1880 |
Topic: | The Catechism: Repentance |
Notes: | Author from Index: Luther— Comp.; Hymns from the German Text: Aus tiefer Noth schrei ich zu dir |