In the Midst of Life Are We

Tune: Mitten wir im Leben sind

  1. In the midst of life are we
    All by death surrounded;
    Who shall help us when we flee
    Seeking grace unbounded?
    ’Tis Thou, O Lord, Thou only!
    Our sins we rue most bitterly,
    Which, O Lord, have angered Thee.
    Holy O Lord our God,
    Holy and mighty God,
    Holy and merciful Redeemer,
    Thou immortal God,
    Keep us all from sinking
    In the bitter pangs of death!
    Kyrieleison!

  2. In the midst of death oppressed,
    Hellish jaws afflict us;
    Who then will from such distress
    Free us and uplift us?
    ’Tis Thou, O Lord, Thou only!
    It moves Thy tender heart to see
    Our great sin and misery.
    Holy O Lord our God,
    Holy and mighty God,
    Holy and merciful Redeemer,
    Thou immortal God,
    Keep us from despairing
    At the depths of hellish fire!
    Kyrieleison!

  3. To the midst of hellish throes
    By our sins we’re driven;
    Where then shall we flee our woes,
    Refuge to be given?
    To Thee, Lord Christ, Thee only!
    Thy precious blood was shed to win
    Satisfaction for our sin.
    Holy O Lord our God,
    Holy and mighty God,
    Holy and merciful Redeemer,
    Thou immortal God,
    Keep us all from falling
    From the comfort of Thy faith!
    Kyrieleison!

Mitten wir im Leben sind
Martin Luther, 1524
Tr. composite

German Text

Tune: Mitten wir im Leben sind

  1. Mitten wir im Leben sind
    Mit dem Tod umfangen;
    Wen suchen wir, der Hilfe tu,
    Daß wir Gnad erlangen?
    Das bist du, Herr, alleine!
    Uns reuet unsre Missetat,
    Die dich, Herr, erzürnet hat.
    Heiliger Herre Gott,
    Heiliger starker Gott,
    Heiliger barmherziger Heiland,
    Du ewiger Gott,
    Laß uns nicht versinken
    In des bittern Todes Not!
    Kyrieleison!

  2. Mitten in dem Tod anficht
    Uns der Höllen Rachen;
    Wer will uns aus solcher Not
    Frei und ledig machen?
    Das bist du, Herr, alleine!
    Es jammert dein Barmherzigkeit
    Unser Sünd und großes Leid.
    Heiliger Herre Gott,
    Heiliger starker Gott,
    Heiliger barmherziger Heiland,
    Du ewiger Gott,
    Laß uns nicht verzagen
    Vor der tiefen Höllenglut!
    Kyrieleison!

  3. Mitten in der Höllenangst
    Unser Sünd uns treiben;
    Wo solln wir denn fliehen hin,
    Da wir mögen bleiben?
    Zu dir, Herr Christ, alleine!
    Vergossen ist dein teures Blut,
    Das gnug für die Sünde tut.
    Heiliger Herre Gott,
    Heiliger starker Gott,
    Heiliger barmherziger Heiland,
    Du ewiger Gott,
    Laß uns nicht entfallen
    Von des rechten Glaubens Trost!
    Kyrieleison!

Martin Luther, 1524

 

Martin Luther

Martin Luther, 1483–1546, portrait by Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1533


Author: Martin Luther

Since the composite translation found in The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, No. 590, “In the Midst of Earthly Life,” which has passed into the Lutheran Service Book, 2006, No. 755, “In the Very Midst of Life,” is copyright 1941 Concordia Publishing House, it could not be used for the Free Lutheran Chorale-Book. A new composite translation has therefore been prepared, incorporating some elements from Richard Massie’s translation. Both text and music may be freely used and reproduced for any purpose whatever, and are offered with the prayer that they may serve for the edification of Christian people everywhere.