Classic Poem

Lord of the contrite hearts, turn thou thine ear to us
Now, while we yield our devotion to thee;
Oh make us feel that thy presence is near to us,
While at the mercy-seat kneeling are we.

Now we have reached thy feet, what shall we say to thee?
How for our follies and sins shall we plead?
Can we do better than earnestly pray to thee
With us to be in each hour of our need?

Few are the words that thou need'st in our profferings;
Earnest intention and love are the test
By which thou measur'st the worth of our offerings:
Silent devotion to thee is the best.

Turn we then, Lord, to thee, clothed in our meeknesses,
Whether in sorrow, in joy, or in pain:
Knowing thy presence means strength in all weaknesses,
Seek we then alway thy presence to gain.