A Prayer

Searching in my heart's own way,

Humbly I seek--

To find the path, the narrow way,

The loving words to speak.

t

Confused by my own weakness,

I falter, yes, and fall.

The loving person I could be

I'm sometimes not at all.

t

I know, my God, I cannot pay

This debt of sin I owe.

I cast myself into your sea,

Your waves destroy my foe.

t

Now in the secret of my soul,

Grace increase my self control,

Make me blind when others fall,

Grow my charity for all.

t

Now dear Lord, I must confess,

this worry about my holiness,

may lead me to such "holy" pride--

much worse than sins I cast aside...

t

So make me holy, make me free,

But in your mercy, don't let me see,

Or I may on my laurels rest,

And for the good, forsake the best.

t

But if my faults despairing steal,

The joy of serving you, and zeal,

Then Dear Jesus, I request,

That with your consolation blest,
I may serve You evermore.