The Lutheran Hymnal ‎#317

317. 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.
Just God, be not; Thy wrath 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 heav'n 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 seems Thee best--
Thy grace will help me bear it
If but at last I see Thy rest
And with my Savior share it.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Alas, my God, my sins are great
• Title: Alas, My God, My Sins Are Great
• German Title: Ach Gott und Herr, wie gross und schwer
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1863, alt.)
• Author: Johann Major (1613)
• Meter: 4.4.7.4.4.7.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1941
• Scripture:
  Psalm 38:4
• Topic: Confession and Absolution

Tune Information

• Name: ACH GOTT UND HERR
• Meter: 4.4.7.4.4.7.
• Key: B♭ Major
• Source: "Andachts-Zymbein," Freyberg, 1655