Alas, My God, My Sins Are Great - #317

Norma Boeckler's Christian Art Books

Tune -  Ach Gott und Herr - linked here
 

"Alas, My God, My Sins Are Great"
by Johann Major, 1564-1654
Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1829-1878

1. Alas, my God, my sins are great,
My conscience doth upbraid me;
And now I find that in my strait
No man hath power to aid me.

2. And fled I hence in my despair
In some lone spot to hide me,
My griefs would still be with me there
And peace still be denied me.

3. Lord, Thee I seek, I merit naught;
Yet pity and restore me.
Just God, be not Thy wrath my lot;
Thy Son hath suffered for me.

4. If pain and woe must follow sin,
Then be my path still rougher.
Here spare me not; if heaven I win,
On earth I gladly suffer.

5. But curb my heart, forgive my guilt,
Make Thou my patience firmer;
For they must miss the good Thou wilt
Who at Thy chastenings murmur.

6. Then deal with me as seems Thee best--
Thy grace will help me bear it
If but at last I see Thy rest
And with my Savior share it.

Hymn #317
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Psalm 38:4
Author: Johann Major, 1613
Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt.
Titled: "Ach Gott und Herr, wie gross und schwer"
Tune: "Ach Gott und Herr"
1st Published in: Andachts-Zymbeln
Town: Freyberg, 1655