Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary ‎#433

433. Not What These Hands Have Done

1 Not what these hands have done
Can save this guilty soul;
Not what this toiling flesh has borne
Can make my spirit whole.
Not what I feel or do
Can give me peace with God;
Not all my prayers and sighs and tears
Can bear my awe-full load.

2 Thy work alone, O Christ,
Can ease this weight of sin;
Thy blood alone, O Lamb of God,
Can give me peace within.
Thy love to me, O God,
Not mine, O Lord to Thee,
Can rid me of this dark unrest
And set my spirit free.

3 Thy grace alone, O God,
To me can pardon speak;
Thy pow'r alone, O Son of God,
Can this sore bondage break.
I bless the Christ of God,
I rest on love divine,
By God's free gift of saving faith
I call this Savior mine.

Text Information

• First Line: Not what these hands have done
• Title: Not What These Hands Have Done
• Author: H. Bonar, 1808-89 ( cento, alt.)
• Meter: S M D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1996
• Topic: Sin and Righteousness; Trinity 6

Tune Information

• Name: TERRA PATRIS
• Composer: F. L. Sheppard, 1852-1930 ( adapt.)
• Meter: S M D
• Key: D Major
• Copyright: Tune and setting © Franklin L. Sheppard, 1852-1930.