When in the hour of deepest need

if you do not hear the tune, click here.

1.
When in the hour of deepest need
we know not where to look for aid. 
When days and nights of anxious thought 
no help or counsel yet have brought,

2.
our comfort then is this alone: 
that we may meet before your throne 
and cry to you, O faithful God, 
for rescue from our sorry lot. 

3.
For you have made a promise true 
to pardon those who flee to you, 
through him whose name alone is great, 
our Savior and our Advocate. 

4.
And so we come, O God, today, 
and all our woes before you lay, 
for sorely tried, cast down, we stand, 
perplexed by fears on every hand. 

5.
Oh, from our sins hide not your face. 
Absolve us through your boundless grace! 
Be with us in our anguish still! 
Free us at last from every ill!

6.
So we with all our hearts each day 
to you our glad thanksgiving pay, 
then walk obedient to your word, 
and now and ever praise you, Lord.

Words:  Paul Eber, Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein, 1560, Naw Betbüchlein, 1566;
                       tr. Catherine Winkworth, Lyra Germanica, Series II, 1858, alt.
   Tune:  adapted from LES COMMANDEMENS DE DIEU, la forme des prières..., 1545;
                       Das Gebet Josaphat, 1567

return to "Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs" webpage

return to Long Green Valley Church "Worship" page