Kyrie eleison

"Though in Midst of Life we be."
by Martin Luther, 1483-1546
Text From: THE HYMNS OF MARTIN LUTHER (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1883), p. 39



1. Though in midst of life we be,
Snares of death surround us;
Where shall we for succor flee,
Lest our foes confound us?
To thee alone, our Saviour.
We mourn our grievous sin which hath
Stirr'd the fire of thy fierce wrath.
Holy and gracious God!
Holy and mighty God!
Holy and all-merciful Saviour!
Thou eternal God!
Save us, Lord, from sinking
In the deep and bitter flood.
Kyrie eleison.

2. Whilst in midst of death we be,
Hell's grim jaws o'ertake us;
Who from such distress will free.
Who secure will make us?
Thou only, Lord, canst do it!
It moves thy tender heart to see
Our great sin and misery.
Holy and gracious God!
Holy and mighty God!
Holy and all-merciful Saviour!
Thou eternal God!
Let not hell dismay us
With its deep and burning flood.
Kyrie eleison.

3. Into hell's fierce agony
Sin doth headlong drive us:
Where shall we for succor flee,
Who, O , who will hide us?
Thou only, blessed Saviour.
Thy precious blood was shed to win
Peace and pardon for our sin.
Holy and gracious God!
Holy and mighty God!
Holy and all-merciful Saviour!
Thou eternal God!
From the true faith's comfort
Fall in our last need away.
Kyrie eleison.