273 Out of the depths I cry to Thee,

1 Out of the depths I cry to Thee, Lord God, O hear my wailing! Thy gracious ear incline to me, And make my prayer availing. On my misdeeds in mercy look, O deign to blot them from Thy book, Or who can stand before Thee? 2 Thy sovereign grace and boundless love, Make Thee, O Lord, forgiving; My purest thoughts and deeds but prove Sin in my heart is living: None guiltless in Thy sight appear; All who approach Thy throne must fear, And humbly trust Thy mercy. 3 Thou canst be merciful while just, This is my hope's foundation; On Thy redeeming grace I trust, Grant me, then, Thy salvation. Shielded by Thee, I stand secure; Thy word is firm, Thy promise sure, And I rely upon Thee. 4 Like those who watch the midnight's hour To hail the dawning morrow, I wait for Thee, I trust Thy power, Unmoved by doubt or sorrow. So let Thy Israel hope in Thee, And he shall find Thy mercy free, And Thy redemption plenteous. 5 Where'er the greatest sins abound, By grace they are exceeded; Thy helping hand is always found With aid where aid is needed; Thy hand, the only hand to save, Will rescue Israel from the grave, And pardon his transgression.