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Martin Luther composed "Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir" (From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee) in 1523 as a hymnic interpretation of Psalm 130. This was during the early years of the Reformation, when Luther was actively working to create German hymns for congregational singing.
The hymn was first published in 1524 in the "Achtliederbuch" (Book of Eight Songs), one of the earliest Lutheran hymnals. Luther revised the hymn slightly in 1525 for its inclusion in the Wittenberg hymnal.
As with many of his hymns, Luther crafted this piece to teach biblical doctrine through music. The hymn's five stanzas closely follow the progression of Psalm 130, emphasizing themes of repentance, God's grace, and the certainty of forgiveness in Christ.
The melody, also attributed to Luther, was composed in the traditional church mode (Phrygian) and became one of the most well-known Lutheran chorales. Johann Sebastian Bach later used this hymn in several of his cantatas, most notably BWV 38.
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Lord, hear me, I implore Thee.
Bend down Thy gracious ear to me,
Let my prayer come before Thee.
If Thou rememberest each misdeed,
If each should have its rightful meed,
Who may abide Thy presence?
To blot out my transgression;
The best and holiest deeds must fail
To break sin's dread oppression.
Before Thee none can boasting stand,
But all must fear Thy strict demand
And live alone by mercy.