The Christian’s Prayer

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

St. Mat. v. 8.

A new and contrite heart create
In me, Thou God compassionate;
Shut close the gate, and keep the door,
That sin may enter in no more.

To Thee my soul I open wide,
Come, Jesus! and therein abide;
And from thy temple, Lord, my heart,
Bid all unrighteousness depart.

Oh! let thy Holy Spirit’s light,
And thine own heav’nly radiance bright,
O’erflow my spirit like a flood,
Eternal Source of every good!

Thus to my cleansed and contrite heart
Thy heav’nly riches, Lord, impart;
And let thy wisdom, truth, and grace,
Take root within the barren place.

Then shall I tell in grateful song
The praises that to Thee belong;
And while I live, my joy shall be
To consecrate myself to Thee.