Evangelical Lutheran hymnal ‎#234

234. Lord to Thee I make confession

1 Lord, to Thee I make confession,
I have sinned and gone astray,
I have multiplied transgression,
Chosen for myself my way:
Forced at last to see my errors,
Lord, I tremble at Thy terrors.

2 But from Thee how can I hide me,
Thou, O God, art everywhere:
Refuge from Thee is denied me,
Or by land or sea or air;
Nor death's darkness can enfold me
So that Thou shouldst not behold me.

3 Yet, though conscience' voice appall me,
Father, I will seek Thy face;
Though Thy child I dare not call me,
Yet receive me to Thy grace;
Do not for my sins forsake me;
Let not yet Thy wrath o'ertake me.

4 For Thy Son hath suffered for me,
And the blood He shed for sin,
That can heal me and restore me,
Quench this burning fire within;
'Tis alone His cross can vanquish
These dark fears and soothe this anguish.

5 Then on Him I cast my burden,
Sink it in the depths below!
Let me know Thy gracious pardon,
Wash me, make me white as snow.
Let Thy Spirit leave me never,
Make me only Thine forever!

Text Information

• First Line: Lord to Thee I make confession
• Author: Johann Franck (1679)
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1863)
• Meter: No. 60
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1908
• Topic: The Catechism: Repentance
• Notes: From the German Text: Herr ich habe missgehandelt

Tune Information

• Name: WINKWORTH (Ruhet wohl, ihr Tutenbeine)
• Composer: Johann Georg Christian Störl (1711)
• Key: F Major