Author:		Martin Luther, 1483-1546 Trans. Composite
Musician:		Joan J. Pinkston, b. 1947

From depths of woe I cry to Thee,
Lord hear me, I implore Thee.
Bend down Thy gracious ear to me,
My prayer let come before Thee.
Lord, since Thy searching eye doth see
Our sin and our iniquity,
Lord, who can stand before Thee?

To gain remission of our sin,
Thy grace alone availeth;
Thy favor we may strive to win,
But all our labor faileth;
No man can glory in Thy sight,
All must alike confess Thy might,
And live alone by mercy.

Though great our sins and sore our woes
His grace much more aboundeth;
His helping love no limit knows,
Our utmost need it soundeth.
Our Shepherd good He is indeed,
His own lost sheep to seek and lead
With tender love and pity.

My hope I rest then on the Lord,
And build not on my merit;
My heart shall trust His gracious Word
To stay my fainting spirit.
His precious Word assureth me
He will my Joy and comfort be;
This is my firm reliance.