Ach Gott in Gnaden von uns wend

Here is my translation of the Cross and Comfort hymn / Litany prayer, “Ach Gott in Gnaden von uns wend” (Bartholomäus Ringwald, d. 1599), from Ev.-luth Gsb. #544. Fischer says it does not appear in Wackernagel’s list of Ringwald’s hymns, but Wetzel cites a funeral sermon printed in Zerbst in 1654 which includes this attribution, the funeral being for the author’s grandson Conrector Johann Ringwald. It was included in Berlin 1653, Quirsfeld’s Gsb 1679, Praxis pietatis melica 1690, etc. The appointed melody is “Wenn wir in höchsten Nöthen sein.”

 

OH, God, take from us graciously
This heavy cross and misery,
By which hemmed in on every hand,
We constantly in danger stand.

2 By Christ our Savior’s pains immense
Deliver us from pestilence
And sudden death, and every ill;
In this distress be with us still.

3 In this distress be Thou our stay,
Thy wrath and judgment turn away,
That so our lips may praise Thee hence
With heartfelt thanks for Thy defense.

Translation © 2023 Matthew Carver.

Ach Gott in Gnaden von uns wend
dies große Kreuz und groß Elend,
damit wir sind ergeben gar,
und stehn all Augenblick in G'fahr.

2 Behüt uns, deine Kinderlein,
um Christi unsers Herren Pein,
vor Pestilenz und schnellem Tod,
und laß uns nicht in dieser Noth.

3 In dieser Noth ach laß uns nicht;
wend von uns deine'n Zorn und Gericht,
das dir lobsinge unser Mund
für deinen Schutz aus Herzensgrund.