Month: July 2006

  • From the Ausbund

    This song comes from
    the story of seven Anabaptists martyred in Schwabich Gmund in 1528. 
    Each of these seven Anabaptists composed this song while awaiting
    execution.

    I cry to you from deepest need
    O God, hear my call
    Send your Holy Spirit to us
    To Comfort our deepest despair
    As you have done to now, Christ
    We rely on your command
    But the heathen now want to kill us

    The flesh is weak, as you know
    It fears the smallest pain
    So fill us with your Spirit
    We pray from our hearts
    So that we may remain until the end
    And go bravely into suffering
    and not fear the pain

    The spirit is surely willing
    To undergo suffering
    Hear us, O Lord
    Through Jesus Christ your beloved Son!
    We pray also for our enemies
    Who know not what they do
    And think not of Your wrath

    We ask You, Father and Lord
    As your loving children
    Kindle the light through Jesus Christ
    Even more in your little flock
    That would be our heart’s desire
    That for which we hunger and thirst
    And would bring us greatest joy

    You have received us in grace
    And made us Your servants
    This we have all done willingly
    And fulfilled with Your help
    Keep us pure in Your Word
    We want to be obedient to You
    Give us aid and comfort

    You, Lord God, are my protection
    We lift ourselves up to You
    So it is but a small pain
    If our lives be taken from us
    You have prepared for us in eternity
    So if here we suffer insult and blows
    It will be for nothing

    Body, life, soul, and limbs
    We have received from You
    These we offer up to You
    To praise and glorify Your Name
    It is nothing but dust and ashes
    We commend to You our spirit, O God
    Take it into Your hands.  Amen