Herr unser Gott, lass nicht zu Schanden werden

[163]Johann Heermann

trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1869

Ah! Lord our God, let them not be confounded

Who, though by want, and woe, and pain surrounded,

Yet day and night still hope Thy help to see,

And cry to Thee.

But put to shame Thy foes, who breathe defiance,

And make their own vain might their sole reliance,

And turn, oh turn to those who trust Thy Word:

Have pity, Lord!

Against our foes some succour quickly send us;

If Thou but speak the word they shall not end us,

But change to friends, lay down their useless arms,

And cease all harms.

We stand bereft of help, and poor and lonely,

'Twere vain to trust in man, -- with Thee, Lord, only

We yet may dare great deeds whoe'er oppose,

And quell our foes.

Thou art our Champion who canst overthrow them,

And save the little flock now crushed below them,

We trust in Thee; Helper, Thy help we claim

In Jesu's name! Amen.