The Lutheran Hymnary ‎#428

428. Withhold not, Lord, the help I crave

1 Withhold not, Lord, the help I crave,
Forsake not, nor forget me,
For from the cradle to the grave
A thousand foes beset me.
Alas! Thy child,
Deceived, beguiled,
To guide himself unable,
In devious ways
Of error strays,
Blind, feeble, and unstable.

2 To guard and keep me, never cease,
From all that is defiling;
Preserve me also from false peace,
When life is smooth and smiling.
Should dangers rise,
And me surprise,
And clouds around me gather,
Teach me to pray,
And childlike say
"Help me, my God and Father!"

3 Let me throughout my life esteem
Thy word as precious manna,
And make Thy name my constant theme,
My song and my Hosanna;
Thy Son alone
Thy gracious throne,
Where I may find compassion;
His precious blood
My strength and food,
And shield against temptation.

4 Then take not, Lord, Thy hand away,
Withdraw not Thy protection,
But grant me to the grave, I pray,
Thy guidance and direction.
At my last end
I will commend
To Thee my soul and spirit;
Then shall I be,
My God, with Thee,
And endless joy inherit.

Text Information

• First Line: Withhold not, Lord, the help I crave
• Author: C. J. P. Spitta (1843)
• Meter: 8, 7, 8, 7, 4, 4, 7, 4, 4, 7.
• Publication Date: 1913
• Topic: The Church Year: Ninth Sunday after Trinity; Trials and Conflicts
• Notes: Public Domain.

Tune Information

• Name: [Withhold not, Lord the help I crave]
• Meter: 8, 7, 8, 7, 4, 4, 7, 4, 4, 7.
• Key: d minor
• Source: H. Thomissöns Salmebog, 1569
• Notes: Public Domain.