African Gospel Lyrics

(Sung in Swahili – A Hymn)

Mwamba wenye imara (Rock of Ages, cleft for me)
Kwako nitajificha (Let me hide myself in thee)
Maji hayo na damu (Let the water and the blood)
Yaliyotoka humo (From thy wounded side which flowed)
Hunisafi na dhambi (Be of sin the double cure)
Hunifanya Mshindi (Save from wrath and make me pure)

Kwa kazi zote pia (Not the labors of my hands)
Sitimizi sheria (Can fulfill thy law’s demands)
Nijapofanya bidii (Could my zeal no respite know)
Nikilia na kudhii (Could my tears forever flow)
Hayaishi makosa (All for sin could not atone)
Ni we wa kuokoa (Thou must save, and thou alone)

Sina cha mkononi (Nothing in my hand I bring)
Naja msalabani (Simply to the cross I cling)
Nili tupu nivike (Naked, come to thee for dress)
Ni mnyonge nishike (Helpless, look to thee for grace)
Nili mchafu naja (Foul, I to the fountain fly)
Nioshe nisijafa (Wash me, Savior, or I die)

Nikungojapo chini (While I draw this fleeting breath)
Nakwenda kaburini (When mine eyes shall close in death)
Nipaapo mbinguni (When I soar to worlds unknown)
Nakukuona enzini (See thee on thy judgment throne)
Roho yangu na iwe (Rock of Ages, cleft for me)
Rahani mwako wewe (Let me hide myself in thee)