Scripture Verse

Bow down Thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy. Psalm 86:1

Introduction

Words: From a ma­nu­script in the Brit­ish Mu­se­um, cir­ca 1620. At­trib­ut­ed va­ri­ous­ly to Jo­seph Bry­an and Fran­cis Da­vis­on.

Music: De Pro­fun­dis Eng­lish tra­di­tion­al tune (🔊 pdf nwc).

Lyrics

To my humble supplication,
Lord, give ear and acceptation;
Save Thy servant, that hath none
Help nor hope but Thee alone.

Send, O send, relieving gladness
To my soul oppressed with sadness,
Which, from clog of earth set free,
Winged with zeal, flies up to Thee.

To Thee, rich in mercies’ treasure,
And in goodness without measure,
Never failing help to those
Who on Thy sure help repose.

Heavenly tutor, of Thy kindness,
Teach my dullness, guide my blindness,
That my steps Thy paths may tread,
Which to endless bliss do lead.