The Lutheran Hymnary ‎#497

497. 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 scarce dare call me,
Yet restore me to Thy grace;
Do not for my sins forsake me;
Do not let 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: J. Franck (1649)
• Meter: 8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8.
• Publication Date: 1913
• Topic: The Church Year: Twenty-second Sunday after Trinity; Confession of Sin

Tune Information

• Name: [Lord, to Thee I make confession]
• Composer: Johann Crüger (1649)
• Meter: 8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8.
• Key: e minor