Our Blessed Savior Sev'n Times Spoke

Our bless�d Savior sev�n times spoke
When on the cross our sins He took
And died lest men should perish.
Let us His last and dying words
In our remembrance cherish.

�Father, forgive these men; for, lo,
They truly know not what they do.�
So far His love extended.
Forgive us, Lord, for we, too, have
Through ignorance offended.

Now to the contrite thief He cries:
�Thou, verily, in Paradise
Shall meet Me ere tomorrow.�
Lord, take us to Thy kingdom soon
Who linger here in sorrow.

To weeping Mary, standing by,
�Behold thy Son,� now hear Him cry;
To John, �Behold thy mother.�
Provide, O Lord, for those we leave;
Let each befriend the other.

The Savior�s fourth word was �I thirst.�
O mighty Prince of Life, Thy thirst
For us and our salvation
Is truly great; do help us, then,
That we escape damnation.

The fifth, �My God, My God, O why
Forsake Me?� Hark, the awful cry!
Lord, Thou wast here forsaken
That we might be received on high;
Let this hope not be shaken.

The sixth, when victory was won,
��Tis finished!� for Thy work was done.
Grant, Lord, that, onward pressing,
We may the work Thou dost impose
Fulfill with Thine own blessing.

The last, as woe and sufferings end,
�O God, My Father, I commend
Into Thy hands My Spirit.�
Be this, dear Lord, my dying wish;
O heavenly Father, hear it.

Whoe�er, by sense of sin oppressed,
Upon these words his thoughts will rest,
He joy and hope obtaineth
And through God�s love and boundless grace
A peaceful conscience gaineth.

O Jesus Christ, Thou Crucified,
Who hast for our offenses died,
Grant that we e�er may ponder
Thy wounds, Thy cross, Thy bitter death,
Both here below and yonder.