I’ve covered this text three times already but never with this setting, TALLIS’ ORDINAL, by Thomas Tallis.
It is a hymn for Lent and Reconciliation especially, with a text by Rosamund Eleanor Herklots. There are different versions on the text about – I have given that in NLPHB.
I made a new backing:
- “Forgive our sins as we forgive”
You taught us, Lord, to pray,
But you alone can grant us grace
To live the words we say.- How can your pardon reach and bless
The unforgiving heart,
That broods on wrongs and will not let
Old bitterness depart?- In blazing light your Cross reveals
The truth we dimly knew,
How small the debts men owe to us,
How great our debt to you.- Lord, cleanse the depths within our souls
And bid resentment cease;
Then, then reconciled to God and man,
Our lives will spread your peace.