God, from all eternity

1 God, from all eternity
In Thy Son Thou didst elect me;
Therefore, Father, graciously
In my course to heaven direct me;
Send to me Thy Holy Spirit,
That His gifts I may inherit.

2 Though alive, I'm dead in sin,
To all good things lost by nature;
Holy Ghost, change me within,
Make of me a new-born creature;
For the flesh deserves damnation,
And can never gain salvation.

3 Drive away the gloomy night
Of erroneous reflection;
Quench all thoughts that are not right,
Hold my reason in subjection;
Grant that I from Thee with yearning
Wisdom may be always learning.

4 All desires and thoughts of mine,
From my youth, are only evil;
Save me by Thy power divine
From myself and from the Devil;
Give me strength in ample measure,
Both to will and do Thy pleasure.

5 A clean heart create in me,
Which in Thee, O God, believeth,
And at the iniquity
Of my sins sincerely grieveth;
And when hours of woe betide me,
In the wounds of Jesus hide me.

6 As a branchlet in the vine,
In my blessèd Lord implant me;
Ever of my Head divine
To remain a member, grant me;
Ever of my Head divine
To remain a member, grant me;
O let Him, my Lord and Savior,
Be my Life and Love forever.

7 Faith, and hope, and charity,
Graciously, O Father, give me;
Be my Guardian constantly,
That no devil e'er may grieve me,
Grant me humbleness, and gladness,
Peace, and patience, in my sadness.