When wounded sore the stricken heart

When wounded sore, the stricken heart
lies bleeding and unbound,
one only hand, a piercèd hand,
can salve the sinner's wound.

When sorrow swells the laden breast,
and tears of anguish flow,
one only heart, a broken heart,
can feel the sinner's woe.

When penitential grief has wept
over some foul dark spot,
one only stream, a stream of blood,
can wash away the blot.

'Tis Jesus' blood that washes white,
his hand that brings relief,
his heart that's touched with all our joys,
and feels for all our grief.

Lift up thy bleeding hand, O Lord,
unseal that cleansing tide;
we have no shelter from our sin
but in thy wounded side.

Words: Cecil Frances Alexander, 1858

Music: St. Bernard, Hereford, St. Francis Xavier

Meter: CM

Website compiled by Steve Benner, 1999-2003.