Evangelical Lutheran Hymnal. 9th ed. ‎#a237

a237. Th'abyss of many a former sin

1 The abyss of many a former sin
Encloses me, and bears me in:
Like billows my transgressions roll:
Be Thou the Pilot of my soul;
And to salvation’s harbor bring,
Thou Saviour and Thou glorious King!

2 My Father’s heritage abused,
Wasted by lust, by sin misused;
To shame and want and misery brought,
The slave to many a godless thought,
I cry to Thee, Who lovest men,
O pity and receive again!

3 In hunger now and dispossessed
Of that my portion bright and blest,
The exile and the alien see,
Who yet would fain return to Thee.
Accept me Lord!-- I seek Thy grace--
And let me see a Father's face.

4 With that saved thief my prayer I make,
Remember for Thy mercy’s sake!
With that poor publican I cry,
Be merciful, O God most high!
With that lost Prodigal I fain
Back to my home would turn again!

5 Mourn, mourn, my soul, with earnest care,
And raise to Christ the contrite prayer:—
O Thou, who freely wast made poor,
My sorrows and my sins to cure,
Me, poor of all good works, embrace,
Enriching with Thy boundless grace!

Text Information

• First Line: Th'abyss of many a former sin
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1895
• Topic: The Catechism: Repentance
• Notes: Now Public Domain. Author from Index: Jos. of the Studium— J.M. Neale

Tune Information

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