Theologica

I adore thee and abase myself.
I approach thee mindful that I am
less than nothing,
a creature worse than nothing.

My thoughts are not screened from thy gaze.

My secret sins blaze in the light of thy countenance.

Enable me to remember that blood which cleanseth
all sin,
to believe in that grace which subdues
all iniquities,
to resign myself to that agency which can
deliver me from the bondage of corruption
into the glorious liberty of the sons of God.

Thou hast begun a good work in me
and canst alone continue and complete it.

Give me an increasing conviction of my tendency
to err,
and of my exposure to sin.

Help me to feel more of the purifying, softening
influence of religion,
its compassion, love, pity, courtesy,
and employ me as thy instrument
in blessing others.

Give me to distinguish
between the mere form of godliness and its power,
between life and a name to live,
between guile and truth,
between hypocrisy and a religion that will bear
thy eye.

If I am not right, set me right, keep me right;

And may I at last come to thy house in peace.