From the Depths of Sin and Sadness

This is a hymn for Lent, which is particularly appropriate for Good Friday. It is based on Psalm 130.

It was written by American Roman Catholic priest, teacher, playwright and author Willard F Jabusch (1930-2018), in 1966.

Hymn-books where it has been published in include:

Hymnal for Young Christians, volume 1 , F. E. L. Publications, Chicago, USA, 1966
Catholic Book of Worship, Canadian Catholic Conference, Ottawa, Canada, 1972
Hymns Old and New with Supplement, Kevin Mayhew Ltd, England, 1989 - and possibly some later editions, but not Catholic 2009
Hymnal, a Worship Book, Brethren Press, Elgin, IL, 1992
Global Songs for Worship, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and Faith Alive Christian Resources, Grand Rapids, USA, 2010
Psalms for All Seasons, Calvin Institute for Christian Worship/ Faith Alive Christian Resources / Brazos Press, a division of Baker Publishing Group, Michigan, USA, 2012
One in Faith, World Library Publications, Illinois, USA, 2015
Sing a New Creation: a supplement to Common Praise (1998), Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, 2022 - for the Anglican Church in Canada.

The song is set to a tune, which Jabusch adapted from a Russian melody: some sources have named it RUSSIAN. It has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of Dm, the first few notes of the melody are A_ BG A_ GF EG FE D_ B,_

Adapted from an image generated by www.Godsongs.net

Downloads

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No downloadable versions have been found, of either performances or the sheet music. If you know where to find one, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.

Examples

Choir, unaccompanied

Singer with piano, words on-screen (excellent for learning the tune)

Singers (in harmony, unaccompanied

Choir with keyboard (recording quality not great)

Small choir with guitar, words on-screen

Instrumental - silver flute

Instrumental (piano) with words on-screen

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

1. From the depths of sin and sadness,
I have called unto the Lord.
Be not deaf to my poor pleading,
in your mercy, hear my voice.
Be not deaf to my poor pleading,
in your mercy, hear my voice.

2. If you, Lord, record our sinning,
who could then before you stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
you shall ever be revered.
But with you there is forgiveness,
you shall ever be revered.

3. For the Lord my heart is waiting,
for God's word I hope and wait.
More than watchers wait for sunrise,
I am waiting for the Lord.
More than watchers wait for sunrise,
I am waiting for the Lord.

4. Hope, O people, in your Saviour,
He will save you from your sin.
Jesus from His cross is praying, '
Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.'
Jesus from His cross is praying,
'Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.'