John Brownlie (trans.) · 85 of 130

XVII: This be our prayer, O Saviour of our souls

This be our prayer, O Saviour of our souls, When night is dark, and muttering thunder rolls, For none but Thee the power of hell controls,-- Have mercy, Lord.

There is no help, if Thou no help wilt bring, No heavenly messenger on speedy wing; Hope gilds the morn, if to Thy Cross we cling,-- Have mercy, Lord.

Woeful the threats that flash from Sinai's hill; Dark are the fears our guilty souls that fill; Help we have none,--O then of Thy sweet will, Have mercy, Lord.

Strong is the arm that in our cause was raised;-- Christ, be Thy name to endless ages praised, Who at the hands of sinners was abased;-- Have mercy, Lord.

Doomed to our death, the God-man bowed the head; Pierced for our sins, upon the Cross He bled; Life is His gift Who liveth, and was dead;-- Have mercy, Lord.

Life, and to live amid the bliss beyond, Where souls beloved to loving souls respond, Free from all bondage in Thy gentle bond;-- Have mercy, Lord.