1 Forsake us not--O Lord be near
Thy Church, when low'ring clouds appear;
That heav'nly light, Thy Word divine;
Continue in our midst to shine.

2 While sin and death around we see,
O grant that we may constant be;
And pure retain, till life is spent,
Thy precious Word and Sacrament.

3 Dear Savior! help, Thy church uphold;
For we are sluggish, thoughtless, cold;
Indue Thy Word with power and grace,
And spread its truth in ev'ry place.

4 Yes! leave us but Thy Word, we pray;
The fatal wiles of Satan stay;
Oh smile upon Thy church: give grace;
And courage, patience, love, and peace.

5 O God! how sin's dread works abound;
Thoughout the earth no rest is found;
And wide has falsehood's spirit spread,
And error boldly rears its head.

6 And ever is there something new
Devised to change Thy doctrines true;
Lord Jesus! as thou still dost reign,
Those vain, presumptuous minds restrain.

7 And as the cause and glory, Lord,
Are Thine, not ours, do Thou afford
Us help and strength and constancy,
And keep us ever try to Thee.

8 Thy word shall fortify us hence,
It is Thy Church's sure defense;
O let us in its power confide,
That we may seek no other guide.

9 Here on Thy Word in faith we lean,
There Thou shalt be forever see;
And when our journey, endeth here,
Receive us, Lord, in glory there.