Hymn Lyrics

PLEASE NOTE: Not all verses may be sung and words may vary in the particular hymn presentation.

Alas, My God, My Sins Are Great
Words: Martin Rutilius (1551–1618)
Music: Ach Gott und Herr | Appears in As Hymnodus Sacer, edited by Christianus Galler (Leipzig, Germany: 1625)
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.


Another Verse in Some Editions:

Where shall I flee but Christ to Thee,
Thy cross heals every nation,
Thy precious blood, my Lord and God,
Hast brought for me salvation.