Poems (Rice)/The Penitent's Prayer

by Maria Theresa Rice

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.