Prayer

I ASK good things that I detest,

With speeches fair;

Heed not, I pray Thee, Lord, my breast,

But hear my prayer.

I say ill things I would not say —

Things unaware:

Regard my breast, Lord, in Thy day,

And not my prayer.

My heart is evil in Thy sight:

My good thoughts flee:

O Lord, I cannot wish aright —

Wish Thou for me.

O bend my words and acts to Thee,

However ill,

That I, whate’er I say or be,

May serve Thee still.

O let my thoughts abide in Thee

Lest I should fall:

Show me Thyself in all I see,

Thou Lord of all.