Lutheran Hymnody
The Hymns
LENT
143
O Dearest Jesus, What Law Hast Thou Broken
Luke 23: 20–24
11. 11. 11. 5.
Herzliebster Jesu
Johann Heermann, 1630
Tr., Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt.
Herzliebster Jesu
Johann Crüger, 1640
That
der!
guish?
With
The
It
yon
an
scourge
bro
fered
tal
they
thou
ken
Thee;
sharp
el
Shep
is
cru
such
herd
my
ish
these
Thy
est
pun
come
crown
dear
Je
ment
sor
head
2
They
1
O
Whence
4
What
3
is
this
they
law
smite,
suf
mor
hast
so
rows,
with
sus,
strange
whence
thorns,
what
crime
pays
gall
wrath,
the
ter
Of
The
Yea,
They
great
Thee
Mas
all
give
what
the
the
to
hast
sen
mock
sins
dies
sheep
which
to
Lord,
cross
should
that
Thou,
the
on
Thee
for
for
ings
loved
der;
guish;
Thee;
ken?
tence
to
must
they
be
wan
lan
urge
spo
ants
in
fes
cry
her
owe
What
They
This
Who
sion—
Thee;
it,
Him,
Thou
drink,
woe,
make
still
dost
serv
con
debt
de
to
they
Thou
His
men.
Thee.
it.
Him.
A
sion?
do
trans
ci
not
dark
cru
I
would
know
gres
fy
mer
5
The sinless Son of God must die in sadness;
The sinful child of man may live in gladness;
Man forfeited his life and is acquitted—
God is committed.
6
There was no spot in me by sin untainted;
Sick with sin’s poison, all my heart had fainted;
My heavy guilt to hell had well-nigh brought me,
Such woe it wrought me.
7
O wondrous love, whose depth no heart hath sounded,
That brought Thee here, by foes and thieves surrounded!
All worldly pleasures, heedless, I was trying
While Thou wert dying.
8
O mighty King, no time can dim Thy glory!
How shall I spread abroad Thy wondrous story?
How shall I find some worthy gifts to proffer?
What dare I offer?
9
For vainly doth our human wisdom ponder—
Thy woes, Thy mercy, still transcend our wonder.
Oh, how should I do aught that could delight Thee!
Can I requite Thee?
10
Yet unrequited, Lord, I would not leave Thee;
I will renounce whate’er doth vex or grieve Thee
And quench with thoughts of Thee and prayers most lowly
All fires unholy.
11
But since my strength will nevermore suffice me
To crucify desires that still entice me,
To all good deeds, oh, let Thy Spirit win me
And reign within me!
12
I’ll think upon Thy mercy without ceasing,
That earth’s vain joys to me no more be pleasing;
To do Thy will shall be my sole endeavor
Henceforth forever.
13
Whate’er of earthly good this life may grant me,
I’ll risk for Thee; no shame, no cross, shall daunt me;
I shall not fear what man can do to harm me
Nor death alarm me.
14
But worthless is my sacrifice, I own it;
Yet, Lord, for love’s sake Thou wilt not disown it;
Thou wilt accept my gift in Thy great meekness
Nor shame my weakness.
15
And when, dear Lord, before Thy throne in heaven
To me the crown of joy at last is given,
Where sweetest hymns Thy saints forever raise Thee,
I, too, shall praise Thee.
Adoration
Opening of Service
Lord’s Day
Worship and Praise
Close of Service
The Church Year
Advent
Christmas
New Year’s Eve
New Year
Epiphany
Transfiguration
Presentation
Lent
Palm Sunday
Maundy Thursday
Good Friday
Easter
Ascension
Pentecost
Trinity
St. Michael’s and All Angels
Reformation
St. Andrew
St. John the Apostle
Holy Innocents
Annunciation
Invitation
The Word
Law and Gospel
The Sacraments
Baptism
Lord’s Supper
Confession and Absolution
Confirmation
The Redeemer
Faith and Justification
Sanctification
Consecration
New Obedience
Trust
Stewardship
Christian Warfare
Prayer
The Church
Communion of Saints
Ministry
Missions
Cross and Comfort
Times and Seasons
Morning
Evening
Harvest and Thanksgiving
The Nation
The Last Things
Death and Burial
Judgment
Life Everlasting
The Christian Home
Marriage
The Family
Christian Education
Special Occasions
Cornerstone Laying
Dedication
Church Anniversary
Theological Institutions
Foreign Missionaries
Absent Ones
The Long-Meter Doxology
Carols and Spiritual Songs