Trinity Hymnal (Rev. ed.) ‎#554

554. From Depths of Woe I Raise to Thee

1 From depths of woe I raise to thee
the voice of lamentation;
Lord, turn a gracious ear to me
and hear my supplication:
if thou iniquities dost mark,
our secret sins and misdeeds dark,
O who shall stand before thee?

2 To wash away the crimson stain,
grace, grace alone availeth;
our works, alas! are all in vain;
in much the best life faileth:
no man can glory in thy sight,
all must alike confess thy might,
and live alone by mercy.

3 Therefore my trust is in the Lord,
and not in mine own merit;
on him my soul shall rest, his Word
upholds my fainting spirit:
his promised mercy is my fort,
my comfort, and my sweet support;
I wait for it with patience.

4 What though I wait the live-long night,
and till the dawn appeareth,
my heart still trusteth in his might;
it doubteth not nor feareth:
do thus, O ye of Israel's seed,
ye of the Spirit born indeed;
and wait till God appeareth.

5 Though great our sins and sore our woes
his grace much more aboundeth;
his helping love no limit knows,
our utmost need it soundeth.
Our Shepherd good and true is he,
who will at last his Israel free
from all their sin and sorrow.

Text Information

• First Line: From depths of woe I raise to thee
• Title: From Depths of Woe I Raise to Thee
• Author: Martin Luther (1523)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.8.7.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1990
• Scripture:
  Psalm 130
• Topic: Trust in God; The Christian Life: Forgiveness of Sins; Faith: Justification by; God: Mercy of; Grace: Magnified; Preparatory Service; Salvation by Grace
• Source: Trans. comp.; alt. 1961

Tune Information

• Name: AUS TIEFER NOT
• Composer (melody): Martin Luther (1524)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.8.7.
• Key: e minor or modal
• Source: Johann Walther's Gesangbüchlein, 1524; arr; alt. 1990