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
