For a Public Fast

Verse 1

Almighty Lord, before Thy throne Thy mourning people bend; 'Tis on Thy grace in Christ alone Our failing hopes depend.

Verse 2

Dark judgments from Thy heavy hand Thy dreadful pow'r display; Yet mercy spares this guilty land, And still we live to pray.

Verse 3

How changed, alas, are truths divine For error, guilt, and shame! What impious numbers, bold in sin, Disgrace the Christian name!

Verse 4

Oh turn us, turn us, mighty Lord; Convert us by Thy grace! Then shall our hearts obey Thy word, And see again Thy face.

Verse 5

Then, should insulting foes invade, We shall not yield to fear, Secure of all-sufficient aid When God in Christ is near.

Verse 6

Amen.