A Prayer

Imitation of the Persian

LORD! who art merciful as well as just,

Incline Thine ear to me, a child of dust,

Not what I would, O Lord! I offer Thee,

Alas! but what I can,

Father Almighty, who hast made me man

And bade me look to heaven, for Thou art there,

Accept my sacrifice and humble prayer.

Four things which are not in Thy treasury,

I lay before Thee, Lord! with this petition;—

My nothingness, my wants,

My sins and my contrition.