Hymns for the Sick and Dying.
I.
i
Mitten wir im Leben sind
Notker. about 900.
Luther. 1524.
trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855
| In the midst of life, behold Death has girt us round. Whom for help then shall we pray, Where shall grace be found? In Thee, O Lord, alone! We rue the evil we have done, That Thy wrath on us hath drawn. Holy Lord and God! Strong and Holy God! Merciful and Holy Saviour! Eternal God! Leave us not to sink beneath These dark pains of bitter death; Kyrie eleison! | | 246 In the midst of death the jaws Of hell against us gape. Who from peril dire as this Openeth us escape? 'Tis Thou, O Lord, alone! Our bitter suffering and our sin Pity from Thy mercy win, Holy Lord and God! Strong and Holy God! Merciful and Holy Saviour! Eternal God! Let not dread our souls o'erwhelm Of the dark and burning realm, Kyrie Eleison! | | In the midst of hell would Sin Drive us to despair; Whither shall we flee away? Where is refuge, where? With Thee, Lord Christ, alone! For Thou hast shed Thy precious blood, All our sins Thou makest good, Holy Lord and God! Strong and Holy God! Merciful and Holy Saviour! Eternal God! Leave us not to fall in death From the hope of Thy true Faith, Kyrie Eleison! | |