A "Good Friday" Hymn

Bernard of Clairvaux was one of the most influential Christians of his era. This hymn is widely attributed to him and certainly marks the depth of his devotion to our Lord.

O Sacred Head now wounded,

with grief and shame weighed down,

now scornfully surrounded

with thorns Thine only crown;

O Sacred Head, what glory,

What bliss, till now was Thine!

Yet though despised and gory,

I joy to call Thee mine.

What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered

Was all for sinners' gain;

Mine, mine, was the transgression,

But Thine the deadly pain;

Lo, here I fall, my Saviour!

'Tis I deserve Thy place;

Look on me with Thy favor,

Vouchsafe to me Thy grace.

What language shall I borrow

to thank Thee, dearest Friend,

for this Thy dying sorrow,

thy pity without end?

Oh, make me Thine forever;

and should I fainting be,

Lord let me never, never

Outlive my love to Thee!

Be near me when I'm dying;

Oh, show Thy Cross to me!

And for my succor flying;

Come, Lord, and set me free!

These eyes, new faith receiving,

from Jesus shall not move;

for he who dies believing,

dies safely, through thy love.

Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153)

English Translation: James Waddell Alexander

(1859-1904)