BWV 226 Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf

Funeral of Johann Heinrich Ernesti, Rector of the School of St. Thomas.

Rom. 8:26-27; Martin Luther, verse 3 of "Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott," 1524 (Wackernagel, I, #19).

24 October 1729, Leipzig.

BG 39; NBA III/1.

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Chorus I (S, A, T, B), Chorus II (S, A, T, B)

[Rom. 8:26-27] (Chorus I, Chorus II)

The Spirit doth our weakness help, for we do not know what we should be asking or what is proper; rather, the Spirit himself intercedeth for us, ineffably sighing.

He who seeks the heart�s intention will know what the Spirit�s will is; because he intercedeth for the saints as God approveth.

Chorale (Chorus I and II)

O thou holy flame, comfort sweet,
Now help us, joyful and content
To bide forever in thy service,
That sadness may not cast us out.
O Lord, through thy might us prepare;
Make strong the weakness of our flesh,
That we here gallantly may strive
Through death and life to reach thy presence.
Allelujah, allelujah.