Sev'n times our blessed Savior spoke

1 Sev'n times our blessed Savior 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, for we, too, have
Through ignorance offended.

3 Now to the contrite thief He cries:
"Thou, verily, in Paradise
Shalt meet me ere tomorrow:"
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!"
Provide, O Lord, for those we leave,
Let each befriend the other.

5 The Savior's fourth word was, "I thirst!"
O mighty Prince of Life, Thy thirst
For us and our salvation
Is truly great: do help us then
That we escape damnation.

6 The fifth, "My God, my God, O why
Forsake me?" Hark, the awful cry!
Lord, Thou wast here forsaken,
That we might be received on high;
Let this hope not be shaken.

7 The sixth, when victory was won,
"'Tis finished!" for Thy work was done.
Grant, Lord, that onward pressing
We may the work Thou dost impose
Fulfill with Thine own blessing.

8 The last, as woe and sufferings end,
"O God my Father, I commend
Into Thy hands my spirit:"
Be this, dear Lord, my dying wish;
O heavenly Father, hear it.

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