Meter: 8.6.8.6 Appears in 3 hymnals Scripture: Joel 2:12-17 Lyrics: 1 Turn ye to me, thus saith the Lord,
Ye who have gone astray--
Your cries and mournings shall be heard,
And not be cast away.
2 Will ye from sin and vice depart,
By fasting and with pray'r;
Rend not your garments, but your heart,
And for my grace prepare.
3 I will return to you again,
When ye return to me:
Your ear'nest pray'rs are not in vain,
Nor never more shall be.
4 The Lord is gracious, good and kind,
To those who seek his face!
With a sincere and humble mind,
Shall find his pard'ning grace.
5 Our horrid crimes, how have they swell'd;
Our Heaven they are grow'n!
God's threat'nings are at last fulfill'd,
And bring his Judgements down.
6 Well, we deserve to feel the rod;
Our punishments are due;
But O! we have a gracious God,
Who will forgive them too.
7 Come let us in his presence meet,
And bow beneath his throne;
Confess with sorrow, and regret
The follies we have done. Topics: Ash-Wednesday
Turn ye to me, thus saith the Lord