During Lent, I’ll be writing six hymns that capture the spirit of reflection for the season. I will publish them on Sunday mornings. All the hymns will be set to well known tunes, so they will be easily shareable and singable upon reading.

Hymn 2 is titled Man of Sorrows and uses the same tune as Eternal Father, Strong to Save (Melita).

---

Oh Man of Sorrows, lend your hand

In every struggle I withstand

As I a-weeping, onward go

In troubles, trials, death and woe

Oh whisper in my failing ear

Your promise always to be near.

Oh Man of Sorrows, come beside

Me while I walk against the tide

As crumpled, like a heap of clothes

Around me circle death and foes

Oh give your arm to hold me up

And help me drink my bitter cup.

Oh Man of Sorrows, I am dead

My grave a cold and rocky bed

My heart is ash, my eyes are dirt

My just reward this wealth of hurt.

Oh breathe in me your breath of life

And give me back the strength for strife.

Oh Man of Sorrows, gift your aid

To me, whose debts won’t be repaid

My sins are dark like cherry stains

I’ve cut too many wounds and pains

Oh blot me from the sight of them

Who grieve to see me come again.

Oh Man of Sorrows, comfort now

As I continue to learn how

To suffer pain, to embrace loss

To welcome rootlessness and cost

Oh cling to me and never leave

I’ll cling to you, my one relief.