Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-book ‎#79

79. Seven times our blessed Saviour spoke

1 SEVEN times our blessed Saviour spoke,
When on the cross our sins He took,
And died lest man should perish:
Let us His last and dying words
In our remembrance cherish.

2 "Father, forgive these men, for lo!
They truly know not what they do!"
So far His love extended:
Forgive us, Lord, when we, too, have
Through ignorance offended.

3 Now to the contrite thief He cries:
"Thou, verily, in Paradise
Shalt meet me ere to-morrow:"
Lord, take us to Thy kingdom soon,
Who linger here in sorrow.

4 To weeping Mary, standing by,
"Behold thy Son!" now hear Him cry;
To John, "Behold Thy mother!"
Protect, Lord, those we leave behind,
Let each befriend the other.

5 Once more He saith, "I thirst! I thirst!"
O Prince of life! Thou dar'st the worst,
Because for our salvation
The thirst is great: then help us Thou
That we escape damnation.

6 Again, "My God, my God, O why
Forsake me in my agony?"
Lord, Thou wast here forsaken,
That we might be received on high;
Let this our hope awaken.

7 Then, when victory was won,
"'Tis finished!" for Thy work was done.
To Thee our work commending,
May we each task Thou dost impose
Bring to a joyful ending.

8 And last, before His sufferings end,
"O God my Father, I commend
To Thy true hands my spirit:"
Be this, when sinks my dying heart,
the wish that last shall stir it.

9 Whoe'er, by sense of sin oppressed,
On these blest words his thoughts doth rest,
Thence joy and hope obtaineth,
And, through God's love and boundless grace.
A peaceful conscience gaineth.

10 O Jesus Christ, our Lord and Guide,
Who hast for our salvation died!
On this forever dwelling,
May we each hour Thy death regard,
Thy grief, all grief excelling!

Text Information

• First Line: Seven times our blessed Saviour spoke
• Meter: 8, 8, 7, 8, 7.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1893
• Topic: Passion
• Notes: F. E. Cox, Tr. a.; German: Da Jesus an des Kreuzes Stamm - Hannow, H. B., 1616

Tune Information

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