Out of the depths I cry to Thee, Lord God, O hear my wailing!

1 Out of the depths I cry to Thee,
Lord, God, O hear my wailing!
Thy gracious ear incline to me,
And make my prayer availing.
On my misdeeds in mercy look,
O deign to blot them from Thy book,
Or who can stand before Thee?

2 Thy sovereign grace and boundless love,
Make Thee, O Lord, forgiving;
My purest thoughts and deeds but prove
Sin in my heart is living:
None guiltless in Thy sight appear;
All who approach Thy throne must fear,
And humbly trust Thy mercy.

3 Thou canst be merciful while just,--
This is my hope's foundation;
On Thy redeeming grace I trust,
Grant me, then, thy salvation.
Shielded by Thee, I stand secure;
Thy word is firm, thy promise sure,
And I rely upon Thee.

4 Like those who watch the midnight's hour
To hail the dawning morrow,
I wait for Thee, I trust Thy power,
Unmoved by doubt or sorrow.
So let Thy Israel hope in Thee,
And he shall find Thy mercy free,
And Thy redemption plenteous.

5 Where'er the greatest sins abound,
By grace they are exceeded;
Thy helping hand is always found
With aid where aid is needed;
Thy hand, the only hand to save,
Will rescue Israel from the grave,
And pardon his transgression.

Source: The Lutheran Hymnary #273