Father, for Jesus' sake, <br />Low at the footstool of Thy throne, I pray <br />That Thou, into Thine arms of love, to-day <br />My trembling soul wilt take. <br /> <br />Thine eyes can see, I know, <br />How many a dark and fearful spot of sin <br />Stains the white garment Thou didst clothe it in, <br />Once undefiled as snow. <br /> <br />I dare not come alone <br />Into Thy presence for that sin to plead; <br />But there is One who waits to intercede— <br />Whose merits will atone. <br /> <br />Into the holy place <br />He takes the incense of our common prayer, <br />Which, mingling with His own, ascendeth there <br />Up to Thy throne of grace. <br /> <br />All too unclean it is, <br />Too cold and weak, above this earth to rise, <br />Save He, in love eternal, sanctifies <br />And hallows it with His. <br /> <br />Therefore accept from me, <br />Through His hands, now, my weak and wavering will; <br />And deign my heart's deep longing to fulfil, <br />As it seems best to Thee. <br /> <br />Pour down Thy healing light <br />Into the dark depths of my soul this day; <br />Dissolve the mists and shadows—oh, I pray, <br />Let it no more be night! <br /> <br />Spirit of love, reveal <br />All hidden sins against Thy blessed name, <br />That I may weep for them in utter shame <br />As in Thy, church I kneel. <br />And now, oh cleanse them out! <br />Make fair again Thine olden dwelling-place; <br />And let the fruitful streams of love and grace <br />Compass it round about. <br /> <br />Lord, with repentance, give <br />Faith, deep and strong, that naught may undermine <br />Of all that's evil in this world of Thine— <br />Faith that shall breathe and live. <br /> <br />Pour from the hallow'd cup <br />Our dear Lord's stainless life into mine own; <br />Put it to my soul's lips—so thirsty grown— <br />And let them drink it up.<br /><br />Ada Cambridge<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/holy-communion-3/
