C.M. "The preparations of the heart." Proverbs xvi, 1.

1 LORD, teach us how to pray aright,
With reverence and with fear;
Though dust and ashes in thy sight,
We may, we must draw near.

2 We perish if we cease from prayer,
O grant us power to pray!
And when to meet thee we prepare,
Lord, meet us by the way.

3 Give deep humility; the sense
Of godly sorrow give;
A strong desiring confidence
To hear thy voice and live;

4 Faith in the only sacrifice
That can for sin atone;
To build our hopes, to fix our eyes,
On Christ, on Christ alone;

5 Patience to watch, and wait, and weep,
Though mercy long delay;
Courage, our fainting souls to keep,
And trust thee though thou slay.

6 Give these, and then thy will be done;
Thus strengthened with all might,
We through thy Spirit and thy Son,
Shall pray, and pray aright.