Author: Martin Luther, 1483-1546; Joseph Herl, b. 1959; Michael A. Penikis, b. 1964; F. Samuel Janzow, 1913-2001 Meter: 8.8.8.7.4 Appears in 3 hymnals Scripture: Exodus 20:1-17 Lyrics: (Stanzas 1-5 copyrighted)
6 "You shall not murder, hurt, nor hate;
Your anger dare not dominate.
Be kind and patient; help, defend,
And treat your foe as your friend."
Have mercy, Lord!
(Stanza 7 copyrighted)
8 "You shall not steal or take away
What others worked for night and day,
But open wide a gen'rous hand
And help the poor in the land."
Have mercy, Lord!
9 "Bear no false witness nor defame
Your neighbor nor destroy his name,
But view him in the kindest way;
Speak truth in all that you say."
Have mercy, Lord!
10 "You shall not crave your neighbor's house
Nor covet money, goods, or spouse,
Pray God He would your neighbor bless
As you yourself wish success."
Have mercy, Lord!
(Stanza 11 copyrighted)
12 Our works cannot salvation gain;
They merit only endless pain,
Forgive us, Lord! To Christ, we flee,
Who pleads for us endlessly.
Have mercy, Lord! Topics: The Word of God Used With Tune: IN GOTTES NAMEN FAHREN WIR Text Sources: Christian Worship, 1928, tr. sts. 6, 8-10, 12, alt.
These Are the Holy Ten Commands