Out of the depths I cry to Thee

1 Out of the depths I cry to Thee,
Lord, hear my lamentation;
Bend down Thy gracious ear to me,
And grant my supplication;
For if Thou fix Thy searching eye
On all sin and iniquity,
Who, Lord, can stand before Thee?

2 But love and grace with Thee prevail,
O God, our sins forgiving;
The best and holiest deeds must fail
Of all before Thee living;
Before Thee none can boasting stand,
But all must fear Thy strict demand,
And live alone by mercy.

3 My hope I rest then on the Lord,
And build not on my merit;
My heart shall trust His gracious Word,
His goodness stays my spirit.
His precious Word assureth me
He will my Joy and Comfort be;
This is my firm reliance.

4 And though it tarry till the night
And till the morn appeareth,
My heart still trusteth in His might,
It doubteth not, nor feareth.
Do thus, O ye of Israel's seed,
Ye of the Spirit born indeed,
Wait for your God's appearing.