Episode Details

Even as the hymns for the season of Lent are penitential in nature, they also point us to the joy that is ours in justification by grace through faith in Christ. Martin Luther’s hymn on Psalm 130 is a marvelous example of this truth. We cry out to our God from the depths of our sin because we know that He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. His forgiveness is the only hope we have, and He gives it to us with grace upon grace. Therefore, we wait for His deliverance in Christ with eager expectation.

Rev. Dr. Christian Preus, pastor at Mount Hope Lutheran Church and School in Casper, WY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #607, “From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee.” Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/607.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

Lutheran Service Book 607

1 From depths of woe I cry to Thee,

In trial and tribulation;

Bend down Thy gracious ear to me,

Lord, hear my supplication.

If Thou rememb'rest ev'ry sin,

Who then could heaven ever win

Or stand before Thy presence?

2 Thy love and grace alone avail

To blot out my transgression;

The best and holiest deeds must fail

To break sin's dread oppression.

Before Thee none can boasting stand,

But all must fear Thy strict demand

And live alone by mercy.

3 Therefore my hope is in the Lord

And not in mine own merit;

It rests upon His faithful Word

To them of contrite spirit

That He is merciful and just:

This is my comfort and my trust.

His help I wait with patience.

4 And though it tarry through the night

And till the morning waken,

My heart shall never doubt His might

Nor count itself forsaken.

O Israel, trust in God your Lord.

Born of the Spirit and the Word,

Now wait for His appearing.

5 Though great our sins, yet greater still

Is God's abundant favor;

His hand of mercy never will

Abandon us, nor waver.

Our shepherd good and true is He,

Who will at last His Israel free

From all their sin and sorrow.

Text Information

First Line: From depths of woe I cry to Thee

Title: From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee

Author: Martin Luther, 1483-1546

Translator: Catherine Winkworth, 1827-78 (alt. )

Meter: 87 87 887

Language: English

Publication Date: 2006

Scripture: Psalm 130; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:20-21; 1 Timothy 1:14

Topic: Confession and Absolution; Psalm paraphrase

Tune Information

Name: AUS TIEFER NOT

Composer: Martin Luther, 1483-1546 (alt. )

Meter: 87 87 887

Incipit: 51565 345

Key: e minor

Find this hymn at hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/607.