Moravian Book of Worship ‎#345

345. O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

1 O sacred head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down,
now scornfully surrounded
with thorns your only crown.
O sacred head, what glory
and blessing you have known!
Yet, though despised and gory,
I claim you as my own.

2 My Lord, what you did suffer
was all for sinner's gain;
mine, mine was the transgression,
but yours the deadly pain.
So here I kneel, my Savior,
for I deserve your place;
look on me with thy favor
and save me by your grace.

3 What language shall I borrow
to thank you, dearest friend,
for this, your dying sorrow,
your mercy without end?
Lord, make me yours forever,
a loyal servant true,
and let me never, never
outlive my love to you.

Text Information

• First Line: O sacred head, now wounded
• Title: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
• Translator: Paul Gerhardt (1656)
• Translator: James Waddell Alexander (1830, alt.)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D. Iambic
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Isaiah 53
  ;
  Matthew 27:1-34
  ;
  Mark 15:1-21
  ;
  John 19:1-6
  ;
  Romans 5:6-11
  ;
  2 Corinthians 5:17-21
• Topic: Holy Week; Christ--Sacrifice of; Christian year--Holy Week; Love for Christ
• Source: Medieval Latin

Tune Information

• Name: PASSION CHORALE
• Composer: Hans Leo Hassler (1601)
• Meter: 7.6.7.6.D. Iambic
• Key: C Major
• Source: C. Gregor Choralbuch (1784); Popular Melody
• Notes: 151 A in 1891 Offices of Worship and Hymns