Our Father: Nine Sacred Songs

Song Cycle by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)

View original-language texts alone: Vater unser: Neun geistliche Lieder

1. Vater unser, der du bist im Himmel
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Des lauten Tages wirre Klänge schweigen,
Und all der Lärm und Drang verschallt, verhallt;
Nun will ich, Vater, Dir mich kindlich neigen,
Nun soll empor zu Dir mein Flehen steigen,
Verleih' den Tönen, die mein Mund dir lallt, 
    Gewalt.

Gleich dem verlornen Sohn mein Herze zaget,
Dem reines Glück sein Heimathparadies verhieß,
Und der nun in der Fremde irrt und klaget,
An keine Pforte mehr zu pochen waget,
Weil überall den Fremdling man verließ, 
    Verstieß.

Nun öffne, Vater, wieder ihm die Arme,
Daß jeder Schmerz, der es durchbebt, entschwebt;
Daß es an Deinem Segenshauch erwarme,
Daß es genesend von der Irrfahrt Harme,
In Deiner Gnade Strahl sich neu belebt.

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by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)
1. Our Father, who art in Heaven
Language: English 
Distracting noises of the day are dying
And all alarm and strife without are stilled;
Now will I, Father, as an infant kneeling
Send forth entreaties to thee in the Heavens,
O let my timid prayer to Thee with power be filled!


Like as the straying son my heart is yearning,
For all the happiness that paradise doth hold,
And he who in far distant lands was roaming,
Who dared no longer knock at any portal,
For everywhere he turned they sought to do him ill.


Now open, Father, once again Thy bosom,
That every pain that wounds my heart may flee;
That in Thy holy breath my soul exalting,
Will find recovery from the ways of sorrow,
And in Thy blessed favor ever more be free.

Text Authorship:

  • Singable translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2006 by James B. Robinson, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2006-06-10
Line count: 15
Word count: 127

Translation © by James B. Robinson
2. Geheiligt werde dein Name
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Die Sterne tönen ewig hohe Weisen im Wunderklang;
Und Wunderklang und hellen Psalmensang
Gabst du auch meiner Seele, dich zu preisen.
Wenn deinen Blumen gleich die Seele blühte nur einen Tag,
Den einen Tag mit lichtem Flügelschlag
Schwebte sie auf im Strahle deiner Güte.
Doch mag der Leib im Staube auch verwehen, die Seele lebt;
Die Seele lebt, weil sie dein Geist umwebt,
Weil sie dich ahnte, kann sie nie vergehen.
Sie wird von Stern zu Stern empor sich schwingen in Ewigkeit,
In Ewigkeit darf deiner Herrlichkeit,
Darf deiner Güte Preis und Lob sie singen.

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by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)
2. Hallow'd be thy name
Language: English 
The stars resound in eternal celestial song in wond'rous sound;
And wond'rous sound and Psalms brightly sung,
caused my soul to praise Thee.
If the soul bloomed like thy flowers only one day,  
Then one day with light wingbeat
It will hover in the light of your kindness.
If the body doth blow away as the dust, the soul lives,
The soul lives, because it is held in your spirit, 
Because enfolded in Thee, it can never pass.  
From star to star above suspended in eternity,
In eternity accepting Thy glory,
I sing Thy goodness and praise Thy glory.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by John H. Campbell, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 12
Word count: 99

Translation © by John H. Campbell
3. Zu uns kommen dein Reich
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Das sind goldne Himmelspfade,
Die Du, Gott, herniedersteigst,
Wenn Du Dich im Mild' und Gnade
Einem reinen Herzen neigst,
Das Dir eine Krone weiht
Und ein Reich, darin Du wohnest,
Einen Thron, darauf Du thronest
Recht in Himmelsherrlichkeit.
Ach, mein Herz ist voller Fehle,
Findest keine Krone dort;
Doch gesund wird meine Seele,
Sprichst Du nur ein einzig Wort.
Gott der Milde, Gott der Gnade,
Schaff' in mir ein reines Herz,
Komm', ach, komme niederwärts,
Komm' auf goldnem Himmelspfade!

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Confirmed with Gedichte von Peter Cornelius, eingeleitet von Adolf Stern, Leipzig, C. F. Kahnt Nachfolger, 1890, page 121.


by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)
3. Thy kingdom come
Language: English 
There's a golden path in heaven
That descends from God on high
When to Thee in love and mercy
One of pure heart drawest nigh.
There's a crown that waits for Them
In that realm wherein Thou rulest,
Near the throne where on Thou sittest,
In Thy heavenly majesty.
Ah, my heart is full of error
Thou will find no crown for me:
But my soul will fill with healing
Speakest Thou one word to me.
God of kindness, God of mercy,
Make of me one pure in heart.
Come, oh come to me below,
Down that golden path of heaven.

Text Authorship:

  • Singable translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2006 by James B. Robinson, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Line count: 16
Word count: 101

Translation © by James B. Robinson
4. Dein Wille geschehe
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Segne, Herz, den Freudentag,
Den der Herr Dir spende,
Daß er's fröhlich wende,
Dank' ohn' Ende
Jubelnd ihm Dein Schlag.

Aber Heil der Schmerzensnacht!
Traue Gottes Wegen,
Da Du wach gelegen,
Hat sein Segen
Treu mit Dir gewacht.

Folgt auch, wie die Nacht dem Tag,
Dir auf Wonne Leiden,
Der da schuf die beiden,
Wird entscheiden,
Wie Dir's frommen mag.

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Confirmed with Gedichte von Peter Cornelius, eingeleitet von Adolf Stern, Leipzig, C. F. Kahnt Nachfolger, 1890, page 122.


by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)
4. Thy will be done
Language: English 
Bless, o heart, each joyous day,
That the Lord doth give thee,
To his gladness turn thee,
Thankful ever,
Beat aloud thy praise.

But fear not the night of pain!
Trust in God's true way,
For he soon will show thee,
That His blessing
With thee doth remain.

For as night doth follow day,
Joy will follow sorrow,
He who both created,
In His wisdom,
Works thy good alway.

Text Authorship:

  • Singable translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2006 by James B. Robinson, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Line count: 15
Word count: 69

Translation © by James B. Robinson
5. Unser täglich Brot gieb uns heute
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Der Du im Feld die Vöglein nährst
Und Speise mir und Trank gewährst,
Dir dank' ich, daß Du mein gedenkst,
Mir Deines Segens Fülle schenkst.
Doch leb' ich nicht von Brot allein,
Drum mögst Du, Herr, stets mit mir sein,
Weil jedes Wort der Seele frommt,
Das aus dem Munde Gottes kommt.
Und Speise, die mein Geist begehrt,
Sei mir im Tode noch gewährt:
Daß Liebe einst ein Kreuz mir setzt,
Und es mit Herzenstränen netzt.

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Confirmed with Gedichte von Peter Cornelius, eingeleitet von Adolf Stern, Leipzig, C. F. Kahnt Nachfolger, 1890, page 123.


by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)
5. Give us this our daily bread
Language: English 
Thou who the little birds doth feed
And gives to me my daily needs,
I thank Thee, that Thou thinks on me,
And to me grants full clemency.
I can not live by bread alone,
Thy nearness also would I own,
For on each word my soul doth feed,
That from the mouth of God proceeds.
That food which my soul doth desire,
For me by Thy death was procured:
That love once on a cross I placed,
Which with His heart's own tears He graced.

Text Authorship:

  • Singable translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2006 by James B. Robinson, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2006-06-10
Line count: 12
Word count: 86

Translation © by James B. Robinson
6. Vergieb uns unsre Schuld
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Nachts, wenn sich Sturmwind wild erhebt
Und Reue Dir im Innern wacht,
Dann bebt Dein Herz in dunkler Nacht
So schmerzlich wie's noch nie gebebt,
Du ringst, in tiefster Brust verzagt
Umsonst nach Trost, umsonst nach Licht,
Weil durch den Sturm, noch lauter spricht
Dein eigen Herz, das dich verklagt;
Doch ob der Sturm auch schweigen mag
Und laue Luft Dich lind umspült,
Wenn tiefe Reu die Seele fühlt,
Bebt sie im Sturm an ruh'gem Tag.
Dann preisen Vöglein Gottes Huld
Und singen hell zu ihm empor,
Dir aber dröhnt ihr Sang in's Ohr
Wie herbe Klag' um Deine Schuld.

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by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)
6. Forgive us our sins
Language: English 
At night, when stormy winds blow wildly
And remorse wakes within you,  
Then, your heart quakes in darkest night  
As painfully as has never shaken.

You struggle, in deepest breast despairing,
For nothing comforts, for nothing brightens,
Because through the gale, still clearly speaks
Your own heart, accusing you.

After all if the gale then be silent
And balmy breezes prevail,  
When the soul feels deep remorse,  
It quakes as tho'twer stormy, on a quiet day.  

Then, little bird praise God-almighty
And sing brightly to him above,  
Your song drones on the ear however  
With harsh notes revealing your guilt.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by John H. Campbell, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 100

Translation © by John H. Campbell
7. Also auch wir vergeben unsern Schuldigern
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Nun lasse ganz der Seele Flug
Zu dir, o Herr, mich heben,
Lehre mich Feindes Schuld und Trug vergeben,
Nicht soll des Hasses trüber Wahn
Mir Sinn und Geist umweben.
Ich will, o Herr, wie Du gethan: Vergeben.
Tönt einst Dein Richterruf herab
Zu ew'gem Tod und Leben,
Mögst du auch mir, weil ich vergab: Vergeben.

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by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)
7. As we forgive those who trespass against us
Language: English 
Now that the soul to Thee out pours
Heavenward Lord oh lift me:
Teach me to be toward all my foes forgiving,
Nor to let hatred enter in
Clouding my mind and spirit.
I'll be, o Lord, as Thou hast been, forgiving!
And when Thy judgement call shall sound
To summon dead and living,
As I forgave may'st Thou be found: forgiving.

Text Authorship:

  • Singable translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2006 by James B. Robinson, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2006-06-10
Line count: 9
Word count: 62

Translation © by James B. Robinson
8. Führe uns nicht in Versuchung
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Als Du auf Erden, Herr, geweilt,
Hast alle Kranken du geheilt;
Von jedem Weh Erlösung fand,
Wen Du behrührt mit deiner Hand,
Gestreift mit deines Kleides Rand.
Der Blinde sehend vor Dir stund,
Der Stumme that's dem Tauben kund.
Du heiltest Alles, was da wund;
Und zu dem Todten sprach dein Mund:
„Steh' auf und wandle!”
Herr! Meine Seele liegt im Staub,
Ist krank und blind und stumm und taub;
Sprießt auch ein Quell, der Heilung schafft,
Ihn zu erreichen fehlt's an Kraft:
O wär' ich frei aus Sündenhaft,
O dürft' ich schaun Dein Angesicht,
Darum das goldne Himmelslicht
Viel strahlenhelle Glorien flicht,
Und hören, wie Dein Mund mir spricht:
„Steh' auf und wandle!”

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Confirmed with Gedichte von Peter Cornelius, eingeleitet von Adolf Stern, Leipzig, C. F. Kahnt Nachfolger, 1890, page 126.


by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)
8. Lead us not into temptation
Language: English 
While Thou upon the earth did dwell,
All who were sick Thou madest well;
From every woe were suffers healed,
Calmed by Thy hand as low they kneeled,
Or when they brushed Thy garment's hem.
The blind man seeing doth stand forth
The dumb doth speak, the deaf doth hear,
Thou would heal all men of their wounds;
And to the dead would speak these words:
"Arise and wander!"
Lord! Lord! In the dust my soul doth lie,
'Tis sick, and deaf, and dumb, and blind.
E'en did one spring of healing flow,
To it no longer could I go,
Freedom from sin on me bestow,
O, dared I look up to Thy face
Upon which heaven's golden light
Weaves beams of god like glorious grace
I listen, and these words I hear,
"Arise and wander!"

Text Authorship:

  • Singable translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2006 by James B. Robinson, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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This text was added to the website: 2006-06-10
Line count: 20
Word count: 136

Translation © by James B. Robinson
9. Erlöse uns vom Übel
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Heil'ge Liebe, flammend Herz,
Wolle ganz die Welt durchdringen,
Daß die Seelen allerwärts
Liebeglühend sich umschlingen,
Vater, der den Sohn gesandt,
Daß ein Weg zum Heil uns bliebe,
Rett' uns aus des Bösen Hand
    Durch die Liebe.

Heil'ger Glauben, Kreuzesbild,
Leit' uns fest durch Lebensstürme,
Ob auch drohend sich und wild,
Woge rings auf Woge thürme.
Sohn, durch den wir Gott erkannt,
Laß uns diesen Hort nicht rauben,
Rett' uns aus des Bösen Hand
    Durch den Glauben.

Heil'ge Hoffnung, Anker du,
Senke tief dich in die Herzen,
Gieb im Kampf uns süße Ruh',
Und in Wonnen wandle Schmerzen.
Geist des Trostes, unverwandt,
Zeige uns den Himmel offen,
Rett' uns aus des Bösen Hand
    Durch das Hoffen!

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Confirmed with Gedichte von Peter Cornelius, eingeleitet von Adolf Stern, Leipzig, C. F. Kahnt Nachfolger, 1890, page 127. Note: this edition seems to be missing stanza 1, line 6, which is presented above as it appears in the musical setting and in other editions.


by Peter Cornelius (1824 - 1874)
9. Deliver us from Evil
Language: English 
Holy love enflame our hearts
Will o'er all the world succeed,
That all souls who wait on Thee
Shining with Thy love may be.
Father, who the Son has sent,
T'ward the heavenly path to lead us,
Save us from the evil one
Through Thy love.

Holy faith, upon the cross,
All our lives, oh be Thou near,
Though the storm winds wildly rave,
Safe with Thee we have no fear.
Son, through whom our God we know,
Guide us by the dangerous reef,
Save us from the evil one,
Through belief.

Sacred hope, O anchor Thou,
Sinking deep within our hearts,
For our combat, give Thy peace,
And in rapture heal afflictions,
Soul of comfort be Thou still
As Thou shows the way of heaven,
Save us from the evil one
Through our hope.

Text Authorship:

  • Singable translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2006 by James B. Robinson, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Based on:

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This text was added to the website: 2006-06-10
Line count: 24
Word count: 135

Translation © by James B. Robinson