Help Us, O Lord! Behold, We Enter - #120

"Help Us, O Lord! Behold, We Enter"
by Johann Rist, 1607-1667
Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1829-1878

1. Help us, O Lord! Behold, we enter
Upon another year today;
In Thee our hopes and thoughts now center,
Renew our courage for the way.
New life, new strength, new happiness,
We ask of Thee, -- oh, hear and bless!

2. May every plan and undertaking
This year be all begun with Thee;
When I am sleeping or am waking,
Still let me know Thou art with me.
Abroad do Thou my footsteps guide,
At home be ever at my side.

3. Be this a time of grace and pardon.
Thy rod I take with willing mind,
But suffer naught my heart to harden;
Oh, let me then Thy mercy find!
In Thee alone, my God, I live;
Thou only canst nay sins forgive.

4. And may this year to me be holy;
Thy grace so fill my every thought
That all my life be pure and lowly
And truthful, as a Christian's ought.
So make me while yet dwelling here
Pious and blest from year to year.

5. Jesus, be with me and direct me;
Jesus, my plans and hopes inspire;
Jesus, from tempting thoughts protect me;
Jesus, be all my heart's Desire;
Jesus, be in my thoughts all day
Nor suffer me to fall away.

6. And grant, Lord, when the year is over,
That it for me in peace may close;
In all things care for me and cover
My head in time of fear and woes.
So may I when my years are gone
Appear with joy before Thy throne.

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #120
Text: Heb. 13:8
Author: Johann Rist, 1642, cento
Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1863
Titled: "Hilf, Herr Jesu, lass helingen"
Tune: "Ich sterbe taeglich"
1st Published in: MS, Municipal Library
Town: Leipzig, 1756