From the depths of woe I raise to thee a voice of lamentation

Lord turn a gracious ear to me and hear my supplication

If thou iniquities dost mark

Our secret sins and misdeeds dark

Who shall stand before thee

 

 

To wash away the crimson stain

Grace grace alone availeth

Our words alas are all in vain

In much the best life faileth

No man can glory in thy sight

All must alike must confess thy might

And live alone by mercy

 

 

Therefore my trust is in the Lord

And not in my own merit

On him my soul shall rest his word

Upholds my fainting spirit

His promised mercy is my fort

My comfort and my sweet support

I wait for it with patience

 

 

While though I wait the live long night

And till the dawn appeareth

My heart still trusteth in his might

It doubteth not nor feareth

To thus oh ye of Israel’s seed

Thee of the spirit born indeed

And wait till God appeareth

 

 

Though great our sins and so our woes

His grace much more aboundeth

His helping love no limit knows

Our utmost need it soundeth

Our shepherd good and true is he

Who will at last his Israel free

From all their sin and sorrow

From all our sin and sorrow

Martin Luther