The Lutheran Hymnal ‎#120

120. Help Us, O Lord! Behold, We Enter

1 Help us, O Lord! Behold, we enter
Upon another year today;
In Thee our hopes and tho'ts now center,
Renew our courage for the way.
New life, new strength, new happiness,
We ask of Thee--oh, hear and bless!

2 May ev'ry plan and undertaking
This year be all begun with Thee;
When I am sleeping or am waking,
Still let me know Thou art with me.
Abroad do Thou my footsteps guide,
At home be ever at my side.

3 Be this a time of grace and pardon.
Thy rod I take with willing mind,
But suffer naught my heart to harden;
Oh, let me then Thy mercy find!
In Thee alone, my God, I live;
Thou only canst my sins forgive.

4 And may this year to me be holy;
Thy grace so fill my ev'ry thought
That all my life be pure and lowly
And truthful, as a Christian’s ought.
So make me while yet dwelling here
Pious and blest from year to year.

5 Jesus, be with me and direct me;
Jesus, my plans and hopes inspire;
Jesus, from tempting thoughts protect me;
Jesus, be all my heart’s Desire;
Jesus, be in my thoughts all day
Nor suffer me to fall away.

6 And grant, Lord, when the year is over,
That it for me in peace may close;
In all things care for me and cover
My head in time of fear and woes.
So may I when my years are gone
Appear with joy before Thy throne.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Help us, O Lord! Behold, we enter
• Title: Help Us, O Lord! Behold, We Enter
• German Title: Hilf, Herr Jesu, lass gelinigen
• Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1863)
• Author: Johann Rist (1642, cento)
• Meter: 9.8.9.8.8.8.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1941
• Scripture:
  Hebrews 13:8
• Topic: The Church Year: New Year

Tune Information

• Name: ICH STERBE TÄGLICH
• Meter: 9.8.9.8.8.8.
• Key: C Major
• Source: Ms., Municipal Library Leipzig, 1756