In Midst of Earthly Life

"In Midst of Earthly Life"

by Dr. Martin Luther, 1483-1546

Text From:

THE HANDBOOK TO THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL

(St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1942), pp. 420-421

In Midst of Earthly Life

1. In the midst of earthly life

Snares of death surround us;

Who shall help us in the strife

Lest the Foe confound us?

Thou only, Lord, Thou only.

We mourn that we have greatly erred,

That our sins Thy wrath have stirred.

Holy and righteous God!

Holy and mighty God!

Holy and all-merciful Savior!

Eternal Lord God!

Save us lest we perish

In the bitter pangs of death.

Have mercy, O Lord!

2. In the midst of death's dark vale

Powers of hell o'ertake us.

Who will help when they assail,

Who secure will make us?

Thou only, Lord, Thou only.

Thy heart is moved with tenderness,

Pities us in our distress.

Holy and righteous God!

Holy and mighty God!

Holy and all-merciful Savior!

Eternal Lord God!

Save us lest we perish

In the bitter pangs of death.

Have mercy, O Lord!

3. In the midst of utter woe

All our sins oppress us,

Where shall we for refuge go,

Where for grace to bless us?

To Thee, Lord Jesus, only.

Thy precious blood was shed to win

Full atonement for our sin.

Holy and righteous God!

Holy and mighty God!

Holy and all-merciful Savior!

Eternal Lord God!

Save us lest we perish

In the bitter pangs of death.

Have mercy, O Lord!

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Notes:

590 From The Handbook to The Lutheran Hymnal

Text: 1 Sam. 20: 3

Author: Martin Luther

Translated by: composite

Titled: Mitten wir im Leben sind

Tune: Mitten wir im Leben sind

Based on "Media vita" c. 1200