The Lutheran Hymnal ‎#389

389. Not What These Hands have Done

1 Not what these hands have done
Can save this guilty soul;
Not what this toiling flesh has borne
Can make my spirit whole.

2 Not what I feel or do
Can give me peace with God;
Not all my prayers and sighs and tears
Can bear my awe-full load.

3 Thy work alone, O Christ,
Can ease this weight of sin;
Thy blood alone, O Lamb of God,
Can give me peace within.

4 Thy love to me, O God,
Not mine, O Lord, to Thee,
Can rid me of this dark unrest,
And set my spirit free.

5 Thy grace alone, O God,
To me can pardon speak;
Thy power alone, O Son of God,
Can this sore bondage break.

6 I bless the Christ of God;
I rest on love divine;
And with unfaltering lip and heart,
I call this Savior mine.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Not what these hands have done
• Title: Not What These Hands have Done
• Author: Horatius Bonar (1861, cento)
• Meter: S.M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1941
• Scripture:
  Ephesians 2:8-9
• Topic: Faith and Justification

Tune Information

• Name: ST. BRIDE
• Composer: Samuel Howard (1762)
• Meter: S.M.
• Key: G Major