1 Upon the cross the robber prayed;
The Son of God swift answer made:
Yes, thou shalt rest, I truly say,
With Me in Paradise today.
2 Hear, in Thy love, my contrite cry:
That malefactor, Lord, am I;
If Thou should'st mark deeds done amiss,
My sin would prove as vile as his.
3 One truth alone can cheer my soul;
Thou, Lord, didst die to make me whole:
The sacred stream from Calv'ry's hill
Can cleanse e'en this foul heart from ill.
4 Now, from the cross exalted high,
Thou reignest King above the sky:
The while I tread the path of woe,
Think on Thy servant here below.
5 Each morn I fain would hear Thee, Lord,
Speak to my heart this royal word:
What though on earth thy flesh may be,
Thy soul shall sup today with Me.
6 When comes at length mine hour of death,
Thy voice shall soothe my latest breath,
As from the cross Thy mercy cries:
Today, with Me, in Paradise.
Source: American Lutheran Hymnal #412