The Hymnal and Order of Service ‎#411

411. Alas, My God! My Sins Are Great

1 Alas, my God! my sins are great,
My conscience doth upbraid me;
And now I find that at my strait
No man hath pow'r to aid me.

2 And fled I hence in my despair,
In some lone spot to hide me,
My griefs would still be with me there,
And peace still be denied me.

3 Lord, Thee I seek; I merit naught,
Yet pity and restore me;
Be not Thy wrath, just God, my lot:
Thy Son hath suffered for me.

4 If pain and woe must follow sin,
Then be my path still rougher;
Here spare me not; if heaven I win,
On earth I gladly suffer.

5 But curb my heart, forgive my guilt,
Make Thou my patience firmer,
For they must miss the good Thou wilt,
Who at Thy chastenings murmur.

6 Then deal with me as pleaseth Thee,
Thy grace will help me bear it,
If but at last I see Thy rest
And with my Saviour share it.

7 The Father, Son, upon one throne,
And Holy Ghost together,
Receive my prayer, and let me share
Thy grace and truth forever.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Alas, my God! my sins are great
• Title: Alas, My God! My Sins Are Great
• Author: Martin Rutelius (1613)
• Translator: Miss Catherine Winkworth
• Meter: 8 7, 8 7. Iambic.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1937
• Topic: Way of Salvation: Repentance; Trinity, Nineteenth Sunday; Chastening

Tune Information

• Name: ACH GOTT UND HERR
• Meter: 8 7, 8 7. Iambic.
• Key: A Major
• Source: Schein's Cantional, 1627.