Poems (Rice)/The Penitent's Prayer
THE PENITENT'S PRAYER.
TO Thee I come, to Thee I bow, O Father, unto Thee! Thy countenance upon me now O let it lifted be! My heart bowed down with care, with sin, Would a new course to-night begin Upon my bended knee.
For every sinful thought I'd seek Forgiveness at Thy shrine; Here penitent and frail and weak, I tremblingly resign My heart; however unprepared To meet Thee, Father, I have dared To meet Thee, all divine.
With a keen sense of sin and pain, Before Thee I appear; O let my plea be not in vain, But lend a listening ear. With deep contrition I would claim Salvation in my Saviour's name, A faith undimmed and clear.
With Thy divine permission, love, My all to Thee I bring; Then make me meet for realms above, Unto Thy cross I cling. My sins forgiven, I would crave Strength all temptation here to brave, Thy love forever sing.