March 2011 - Vol. 48.


Crucifixion, painting by Michael O'Brien

Thy Mercy Free 
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Hymn by Martin Luther


Out of the depths we cry to thee.
Lord, hear us, we implore thee.
Bend down thy gracious ear to us.
Let our prayer come before thee!
On our misdeeds in mercy look.
O deign to blot them from thy book,
And let us come before thee. 

So let thy people hope in thee,
And they shall find thy mercy free,
And thy redemption plenteous.
 

Thy sov'reign grace and boundless love
Show thee, O lord forgiving.
Our purest thoughts and deeds but prove
Sin in our heart is living.
None guiltless in thy sight appear.
All who approach thy throne must fear,
And humbly trust thy mercy. 

So let thy people hope in thee,
And they shall find thy mercy free,
And thy redemption plenteous.
 

Thou canst be merciful while just.
This is our hope's foundation.
In thy redeeming grace we trust.
O grant us thy salvation.
Upheld by thee we stand secure.
Thy word is firm, thy promise sure,
And we rely upon thee. 

So let thy people hope in thee,
And they shall find thy mercy free,
And thy redemption plenteous.

Like those who watch for midnight's hour
To hail the dawning morrow,
We wait for thee, we trust thy pow'r,
Unmoved by doubt or sorrow.
So let thy people hope in thee, 
And they shall find thy mercy free,
And thy redemption plenteous. 

So let thy people hope in thee,
And they shall find thy mercy free,
And thy redemption plenteous.

Martin Luther (1483-1546) was a German theologian, an Augustinian monk, and an ecclesiastical reformer whose teachings inspired the Reformation and deeply influenced the doctrines and culture of the Lutheran and Protestant traditions.
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