Psalm 116 (Version 1, Part 1)

I love the Lord; he heard my cries,

And pity'd every groan:

Long as I live, when troubles rise,

I'll hasten to his throne.

I love the Lord; he bow'd his ear,

And chas'd my griefs away;

O let my heart no more despair,

While I have breath to pray!

My flesh declin'd, my spirits fell,

And I drew near the dead,

While inward pangs, and fears of hell

Perplex'd my wakeful head.

"My God," I cry'd "thy servant save,

"Thou ever good and just;

"Thy power can rescue from the grave,

"Thy power is all my trust."

The Lord beheld me sore distrest,

He bid my pains remove:

Return, my soul, to God thy rest,

For thou hast known his love.

My God hath sav'd my soul from death,

And dry'd my failing tears;

Now to his praise I'll spend my breath,

And my remaining years.