Mitten wir im Leben sind

[142]Notker. about 900.

[143]Luther.1524.

trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855

In the midst of life, behold

Death has girt us round.

Whom for help then shall we pray,

Where shall grace be found?

In Thee, O Lord, alone!

We rue the evil we have done,

That Thy wrath on us hath drawn.

Holy Lord and God!

Strong and Holy God!

Merciful and Holy Saviour!

Eternal God!

Leave us not to sink beneath

These dark pains of bitter death;

Kyrie eleison!

In the midst of death the jaws

Of hell against us gape.

Who from peril dire as this

Openeth us escape?

'Tis Thou, O Lord, alone!

Our bitter suffering and our sin

Pity from Thy mercy win,

Holy Lord and God!

Strong and Holy God!

Merciful and Holy Saviour!

Eternal God!

Let not dread our souls o'erwhelm

Of the dark and burning realm,

Kyrie Eleison!

In the midst of hell would Sin

Drive us to despair;

Whither shall we flee away?

Where is refuge, where?

With Thee, Lord Christ, alone!

For Thou hast shed Thy precious blood,

All our sins Thou makest good,

Holy Lord and God!

Strong and Holy God!

Merciful and Holy Saviour!

Eternal God!

Leave us not to fall in death

From the hope of Thy true Faith,

Kyrie Eleison!