Praying for Repentance

Verse 1

Father of lights, from whom proceeds Whate'er thy every creature needs; Whose goodness, providently nigh, Feeds the young ravens when they cry; To thee I look; my heart prepare; Suggest and hearken to my prayer.

Verse 2

Since by thy light myself I see Naked, and poor, and void of thee, Thine eyes must all my thoughts survey, Preventing what my lips would say: Thou seest my wants; for help they call And, ere I speak, thou know'st them all.

Verse 3

Fain would I know, as known by thee, And feel the indigence I see; Fain would I all my vileness own, And deep beneath the burden groan; Abhor the pride that lurks within, Detest and loathe myself and sin.

Verse 4

Ah, give me, Lord myself to feel; My total misery reveal: Ah, give me Lord, I still would say, A heart to mourn, a heart to pray: My business this, my only care-- My life, my every breath, be prayer.