Forgive Them, O My Father

  • February 18, 2010
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“Forgive them, O my Father, They know not what they do.” The Savior spoke in anguish, As sharp iron nails went through. No word of anger spoke He To them that shed His blood, But prayer and tenderest pity Large as the love of God. For me was that compassion, For me that tender care; I need His wide forgiveness As much as any there. It was my pride and hardness That hung Him on the tree; Those cruel nails, O Savior, Were driven in by me. And often I have slighted Thy gentle voice that said: Forgive me too, Lord Jesus, I knew not what I did. O depth of sweet compassion! O love divine and true! Save thou the souls that slight Thee, And know not what they do.” Cecil Frances Humphreys Alexander (1818-1895) Cecil Alexander’s husband was William Alexander, the bishop of Derry and Raphoe and was later named the Anglican Primate for Ireland. Although she loved writing hymns and poems and sharing theology with her husband, Cecil also enjoyed children and ministry as well. She and her sister founded a school for the deaf, and set up the Girls’ Friendly Society in Londonderry. Cecil Alexander wrote about 400 hymns in her lifetime and also contributed many works to various poetry books and magazines. This hymn capitalizes on Christ’s prayer for those who persecuted Him when He asked His Father to forgive them.


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