Praying for Repentance

Verse 1

Oh, that I could repent! Oh, that I could believe! Thou, by thy voice, the marble rent, The rock in sunder cleave! Thou, by thy two-edge sword, My soul and spirit part; Strike with the hammer of thy word, And break my stubborn heart.

Verse 2

Saviour, and Prince of peace, The double grace bestow, Unloose the bands of wickedness, And let the captive go; Grant me my sins to feel, And then the load remove; Wound, and pour in my wounds, to heal, The balm of pardoning love.

Verse 3

For thine own mercy's sake, The hindrance now remove, And into thy protection take The prisoner of thy love; In every trying hour Stand by my feeble soul, And screen me from my nature's power, Till thou hast made me whole.

Verse 4

This is thy will, I know, That I should holy be, Should let my sins this moment go, This moment turn to thee: Oh, might I now embrace Thine all-sufficient power, And nevermore to sin give place, And never grieve thee more.