Abba Father !

Lord, I know not how to pray,
Help mine infirmity,
Tell me, Father, what to say,
And I will speak to Thee:
Wretched, poor, and helpless I
Would fain be taken to Thy breast;
Abba Father, hear me cry,
And lull my soul to rest.

Ere I utter my complaint
My wants to Thee are known;

Need I tell Thee that I want
The Spirit of Thy Son?

Still, alas! for this I sigh,
Forlorn, forsaken, and distress'd:
Abba Father, &c.

Once I knew Thee reconciled,
And saw Thy smiling face,
Loving as a little child,
I lisp'd my Father's praise:

Now I cannot find Thee nigh,
By clouds of sin and grief oppress'd
Abba Father, &c.
Ever hoping against hope,
I struggle to believe:
Till Thy mercy lift me up,
Contentedly I grieve;
Weeping at Thy feet I lie
That I have so my God displeased:
Abba Father, &c.
Though Thou seem to cast me out,
And leave me still to mourn,
Yet Thou wilt, (I dare not doubt,)

Thou wilt at last return:
Thou canst not Thyself deny,
Of Thee I shall be re-possess'd:
Abba Father, &c.
To chastise me for my pride
Thou hidest now Thy face:
When my will is crucified
I shall regain Thy grace;
Pain shall at Thy presence fly,
Again I shall in Thee be blest:
Abba Father, &c.
Let me from this moment give
My fond complainings o'er,
Unto Thee the matter leave,
And teach my God no more;
When, and as Thou wilt comply,
But grant, O grant me my request:
Abba Father, &c.
Perfect what Thou hast begun,
And love me to the end,
Send, because I am Thy son,
To me Thy Spirit send;
On the promise I rely,
Thy manner, and Thy time is best:
Abba Father, hear me cry,
And lull my soul to rest.