Poems (Dodd)/Prayer of the Penitent

PRAYER OF THE PENITENT.

Lord, before thee lowly kneeling,
Penitent my vows I pay;
Long on broken idols leaning,
I have found no rest or stay:
I have wandered,
Wandered from thy fold away.

Like the dove with pinions weary,
O'er the troubled waves I flee,
Round me roll the waters dreary,
May thy love my refuge be.
I am weary,
Let me find repose in thee.

I have all too fondly treasured,
Sinful hopes, and wishes vain,
Let thy grace, and love unmeasured,
Cleanse my soul from every stain:
Oh, receive me!
Take me in thine arms again!

If by thee, O God, forsaken,
All my hope is lost indeed;
Let my tears compassion waken,
Hear me while for help I plead:
Oh, be near me!
Save me in mine hour of need!

O'er the grave of buried blessings,
Standing like a blighted tree,
Those who shared my fond caressings,
Near me now no more I see.
I am wretched;
Father, thus I come to thee.

Lord, for mercy I implore thee!
Thou canst dry my bitter tears:
Trembling I appear before thee,
Bowed with penitence and years:
Look upon me!
Take away my doubts and fears.

Life-long sins are all appearing,
Round me surging like a sea;
But thy word, my spirit cheering,
Offers peace, and pardon free.
I have suffered,
Send "the Comforter" to me.