Why dost Thou stand afar,
O Lord, in our distress?
And why dost Thou conceal Thy­self
When troublous times oppress?

Do Thou, O Lord, arise;
O God, lift up Thy hand;
Forget Thou not the suffering poor,
The humble in the land.

Their foes Thou dost behold,
Their wrongs Thou wilt repay;
The poor commit themselves to Thee,
Thou art the orphans’ stay.

Thou, Lord, hast heard their prayer
When humble hearts drew nigh;
Thou also wilt revive their strength
And ever hear their cry.

Defend the fatherless,
And all who are oppressed,
That they by human pride and power
May be no more distressed.