From depths of woe I raise to Thee <br />The voice of lamentation; <br />Lord, turn a gracious ear to me <br />And hear my supplication; <br />If Thou iniquities dost mark, <br />Our secret sins and misdeeds dark, <br />O who shall stand before Thee? <br /> <br />To wash away the crimson stain, <br />Grace, grace alone availeth; <br />Our works, alas! are all in vain; <br />In much the best life faileth: <br />No man can glory in Thy sight, <br />All must alike confess Thy might, <br />And live alone by mercy. <br /> <br />Therefore my trust is in the Lord, <br />And not in mine own merit; <br />On Him my soul shall rest, His Word <br />Upholds my fainting spirit: <br />His promised mercy is my fort, <br />My comfort, and my sweet support; <br />I wait for it with patience. <br /> <br />What though I wait the livelong night, <br />And till the dawn appeareth, <br />My heart still trusteth in His might; <br />It doubteth not nor feareth: <br />Do thus, O ye of Israel’s seed, <br />Ye of the Spirit born indeed; <br />And wait till God appeareth. <br /> <br />Though great our sins and sore our woes, <br />His grace much more aboundeth; <br />His helping love no limit knows, <br />Our utmost need it soundeth. <br />Our Shepherd good and true is He, <br />Who will at last His Israel free. <br />From all their sin and sorrow.<br /><br />Martin Luther<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/from-depths-of-woe-i-raise-to-thee/
