From the recesses of a lowly spirit,

Our humble prayer ascends; O Father! hear it,

Upsoaring on the wings of awe and meekness;

Forgive its weakness!

2 We see thy hand: it leads us, it supports us;

We hear thy voice: it counsels and it courts us:

And then we turn away; and still thy kindness

Forgives our blindness.

3 O, how long-suffering, Lord! but thou delightest

To win with love the wandering; thou invitest,

By smiles of mercy, not by frowns or terrors,

Man from his errors.

4 Father and Saviour! plant within each bosom

The seeds of holiness, and bid them blossom

In fragrance and in beauty bright and vernal,

And spring eternal.