BWV 177 Ich ruf, zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ
Fourth Sunday after Trinity. Johann Agricola, the five verses of the hymn, 1529?/31 (Wackernagel, III, #78 ff.); PT (Leipzig, 1725); Facs: Neumann T, p. 433. 6 July 1732, Leipzig (so Dürr). BG 35; NBA I/17. 1. Chorus [Verse 1] (S, A, T, B) I call to thee, Lord Jesus Christ,I pray thee, hear my crying; Both lend me grace within this life And let me not lose courage; The proper path, O Lord, I seek, Which thou dost wish to give me: For thee living, My neighbor serving well, Thy word upholding justly. 2. Aria [Verse 2] (A) I pray still more, O Lord my God, Thou canst on me bestow this: That I be never brought to scorn, Give hope as my companion, And then, when I must hence depart, That I may ever trust thee, Not relying On my works only, Else shall I e’er regret it. 3. Aria [Verse 3] (S) Now grant that I with heart sincere Be to my foes forgiving; Forgive me also at this hour, For me my life renewing; Thy word my food let always be With which my soul to nurture, Me defending, When sorrow draweth nigh And threatens to distract me. 4. Aria [Verse 4] (T) Now let no joy nor fear from thee Within this world divert me. Make me steadfast until the end, Thy hands alone can do it; Who has thy gifts has them for free; For no man can inherit Nor acquire yet Through his works thy true grace Which us redeems from dying. 5. Chorale [Verse 5] (S,A,T,B) I lie midst strife and now resist, Help, O Lord Christ, my weakness! Unto thy grace alone I cling, For thou canst make me stronger. Come now temptation, Lord, defend, That it not overthrow me. Thou canst check it Lest it bring me to harm; I know thou wilt not let it. © Copyright Z. Philip Ambrose |