Before Private Prayer

To—" Why should the children of a King?"

FATHER of Jesus Christ, my Lord,
I humbly seek Thy face,
Encouraged by the Saviour's word
To ask Thy pardoning grace.

Entering into my closet, I
The busy world exclude,
In secret prayer for mercy cry,
And groan to be renew'd.

Far from the paths of men, to Thee
I solemnly retire;
See Thou, who dost in secret see,
And grant my heart's desire.

Thy grace I languish to receive,
The Spirit of love and power,
Blameless before Thy face to live,
To live and sin no more.

Fain would I all Thy goodness feel,
And know my sins forgiven,
And do on earth Thy perfect will
As angels do in heaven,

O Father, glorify Thy Son,
And grant what I require,
For Jesu's sake the Gift send down,
And answer me by fire.

Kindle the flame of love within,
Which may to heaven ascend,
And now the work of grace begin,
Which shall in glory end.