Hymns for Today's Church (2nd ed.) ‎#444b

444b. Rock of ages, cleft for me

1 Rock of ages, cleft for me,
hide me now, my refuge be;
let the water and the blood
from your wounded side which flowed,
be for sin the double cure,
cleanse me from its guilt and power.

2 Not the labours of my hands
can fulfil your law's demands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears for ever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
you must save and you alone.

3 Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to your cross I cling;
naked, come to you for dress,
helpless, look to you for grace;
stained by sin, to you I cry:
'Wash me, Saviour, or I die!'

4 While I draw this fleeting breath,
when my eyelids close in death,
when I soar through realms unknown,
bow before the judgement throne:
hide me then, my refuge be,
Rock of ages, cleft for me.

Text Information

• First Line: Rock of ages, cleft for me
• Author: A. M. Toplady (1740-1778)
• Meter: 7 7 7 7 7 7
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Topic: God's Church: Faith and Trust; Lent 3, The King and the Kingdom: Suffering; Pentecost 17: The Proof of Faith; Pentecost 19: The Life of Faith
• Copyright: Revision © Jubilate Hymns
• Notes: See also traditional version, 593

Tune Information

• Name: TOPLADY
• Composer: A. M. Toplady (1740-1778)
• Meter: 7 7 7 7 7 7
• Key: B♭ Major
• Notes: Alternative tune: PETRA (444a)