Hear me, O Lord! in my distress

Verse 1

Hear me, O Lord, in my distress, Hear me in truth and righteousness, For at your bar of judgment tried, None living can be justified.

Verse 2

Lord, I have foes without, within: The world, the flesh, indwelling sin, Life’s daily ills, temptation’s power, And Satan roaring to devour.

Verse 3

These, these my fainting soul surround; My strength is smitten to the ground; Like those long dead, beneath their weight Crushed is my heart and desolate.

Verse 4

Yet, in the gloom of silent thought, I call to mind what God has wrought: Your wonders in the days of old, Your mercies great and manifold.

Verse 5

Ah! then to you I stretch my hands, Like failing streams through desert sands; I thirst for you, as harvest plains Parched by the summer thirst for rains.

Verse 6

Oh, let me not thus hopeless lie Like one condemned at morn to die, But with the morning may I see Your loving-kindness visit me.

Verse 7

Teach me your will, subdue my own; You are my God, and you alone; By your good Spirit guide me still, Safe from all foes, to Zion’s hill.

Verse 8

Release my soul from trouble, Lord; Quicken and keep me by your word; May all its promises reward; Thus be my portion—I am yours.