Scripture Verse

Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom. Luke 23:42

Introduction

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Pardon of the Good Thief
James Tissot (1836–1902)

Words: Will­iam D. Mac­La­gan, in Hymns An­cient and Mo­dern, 1875.

Music: Cry of Faith Hen­ry J. Gaunt­lett, in Hymns An­cient and Mo­dern, 1875 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

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William D. MacLagan (1826–1910)
National Portrait Gallery

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Lyrics

Lord, when Thy kingdom comes, re­mem­ber me;
Thus spake the dying lips to dying ears;
O faith, which in that darkest hour could see
The promised glo­ry of the far off years!

No kingly sign declares that glo­ry now,
No ray of hope lights up that awful hour;
A thorny crown surrounds the bleed­ing brow,
The hands are stretched in weak­ness, not in pow­er.

Yet hear the word the dying Sav­ior sa­ith,
Thou too shalt rest in paradise to­day;
O words of love to answer words of faith!
O words of hope for those who live to pray!

Lord, when with dying lips my prayer is said,
Grant that in faith Thy kingdom I may see;
And, thinking on Thy cross and bleed­ing head,
May breathe my parting words, Re­mem­ber me.

Remember me, but not my shame or sin;
Thy cleansing blood hath washed them all away;
Thy precious death for me did par­don win;
Thy blood redeemed me in that aw­ful day.

Remember me, yet how canst Thou for­get
What pain and anguish I have caused to Thee,
The cross, the agony, the bloody sweat,
And all the sorrow Thou didst bear for me?

Remember me, and, ere I pass away,
Speak Thou th’assuring word that sets us free,
And make Thy promise to my heart, Today
Thou too shalt rest in paradise with Me.