Verse 1

With broken heart and contrite sigh A trembling sinner, Lord, I cry: Thy pardoning grace is rich and free O God, be merciful to me.

Verse 2

I smite upon my troubled breast, With deep and conscience guilt oppressed; Christ and His cross my only plea: O God, be merciful to me.

Verse 3

Far off I stand with tearful eyes, Nor dare uplift them to the skies; But Thou dost all my anguish see: O God, be merciful to me.

Verse 4

Nor alms, nor deeds that I have done, Can for a single sin atone; To Calvary alone I flee: O God, be merciful to me.

Verse 5

And when, redeemed from sin and hell, With all the ransomed throng I dwell, My raptured song shall ever be, God has been merciful to me.