University of Virginia Library

152.

[Pleading in prayer the faithful word]

Pleading in prayer the faithful word,
The blessing I implore;
Open to me, most gracious Lord,
The penitential door:
At God's right hand with glory crown'd,
If crown'd for me Thou art,
By one kind look my spirit wound,
And break my flinty heart.
Strengthen'd by Thee to persevere,
In ceaseless prayer to pray,
Jesus, Thy earnest suppliant hear,
And mercy's door display;
The door of faith and pardoning grace
Now let it open'd be,
To' admit into the children's place
The chief of sinners, me.
An entrance through Thy speaking blood
Into the holiest give,

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And bring me back by faith to God,
And with Thy saints receive:
Yet will I, Lord, my suit repeat,
For more abundant love,
Till Thou my urgent soul admit
Into Thy fold above.