Prayer of the Penitent

Lord, before thee lowly kneeling,Penitent my vows I pay;Long on broken idols leaning,I have found no rest or stay:I have wandered,Wandered from thy fold away.

Like the dove with pinions weary,O'er the troubled waves I flee,Round me roll the waters dreary,May thy love my refuge be.I am weary,Let me find repose in thee.

I have all too fondly treasured,Sinful hopes, and wishes vain,Let thy grace, and love unmeasured,Cleanse my soul from every stain:Oh, receive me!Take me in thine arms again!

If by thee, O God, forsaken,All my hope is lost indeed;Let my tears compassion waken,Hear me while for help I plead:Oh, be near me!Save me in mine hour of need!

O'er the grave of buried blessings,Standing like a blighted tree,Those who shared my fond caressings,Near me now no more I see.I am wretched;Father, thus I come to thee.

Lord, for mercy I implore thee!Thou canst dry my bitter tears:Trembling I appear before thee,Bowed with penitence and years:Look upon me!Take away my doubts and fears.

Life-long sins are all appearing,Round me surging like a sea;But thy word, my spirit cheering,Offers peace, and pardon free.I have suffered,Send "the Comforter" to me.