"In Midst of Earthly Life"

                    by Martin Luther, 1483-1546

                               Text From:

                       THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL

        (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941)







        1. In the midst of earthly life

        Snares of death surround us;

        Who shall help us in the strife

        Lest the Foe confound us?

        Thou only, Lord, Thou only.

        We mourn that we have greatly erred,

        That our sins Thy wrath have stirred.

        Holy and righteous God!

        Holy and mighty God!

        Holy and all-merciful Savior!

        Eternal Lord God!

        Save us lest we perish

        In the bitter pangs of death.

        Have mercy, O Lord!



        2. In the midst of death's dark vale

        Powers of hell o'ertake us.

        Who will help when they assail,

        Who secure will make us?

        Thou only, Lord, Thou only.

        Thy heart is moved with tenderness,

        Pities us in our distress.

        Holy and righteous God!

        Holy and mighty God!

        Holy and all-merciful Savior!

        Eternal Lord God!

        Save us lest we perish

        In the bitter pangs of death.

        Have mercy, O Lord!



        3. In the midst of utter woe

        All our sins oppress us,

        Where shall we for refuge go,

        Where for grace to bless us?

        To Thee, Lord Jesus, only.

        Thy precious blood was shed to win

        Full atonement for our sin.

        Holy and righteous God!

        Holy and mighty God!

        Holy and all-merciful Savior!

        Eternal Lord God!

        Save us lest we perish

        In the bitter pangs of death.

        Have mercy, O Lord!



        


        Notes:

        Hymn 590 from _The Lutheran Hymnal_

        Text: 1 Sam. 20: 3

        Author: Martin Luther

        Translated by: composite

        Titled: "Mitten wir im Leben sind"

        Tune: "Mitten wir im Leben sind"

        Based on "Media vita" c. 1200