From the German of Gellert.
Written on Board the Medway, at Sea.
Ich komme vor dein Angesicht,
Verwirf, O Gott, mein Flehen nicht; &c.
GREAT GOD! I bow before thy face,
Deign to receive my humble prayer.
Forgive my sins, O God of grace,
And leave me not to dark despair!
Lord! cleanse my heart, that while I live,
With humble fear and grateful love,
Due praise to thee I still may give,
And peace of conscience ever prove.
In every danger, Lord! defend,
For still I trust thy gracious aid!
With the Almighty for my Friend,
What foes shall e’er make me afraid?
O, I am wholly in thy power!
From thee I hold my Reason, Lord!
Preserve it to my dying hour;
Inform it by thy blessed word!
And grant, that while I live, I may
Still set the Lord before mine eyes;
That walking in thy heavenly way,
Thy faithful people may rejoice.
Lord! ’tis my happiness to know
What thou in mercy dost reveal;
Be it my happiness to do
All thy commands with ready zeal.
My feeble power could ne’er suffice
To conquer passion’s ruthless sway;
But, Lord! thy wondrous grace supplies
Sufficient strength to gain the day.
Of life’s possessions grant me, Lord!
Whate’er thy wisdom may decree.
If life’s best gift thy grace afford,
The smallest lot were large for me.
But if thine ever-bounteous hand
Should still increase my humble store;
Still may the friendless poor command
Assistance at my friendly door!
Grant me sound health and gratitude
Thy countless benefits to own;
Nor let me e’er for selfish good
The path of duty basely shun.
Provide me, Lord! a faithful friend,
My heart to cheer, my steps to guide;
Whose bright example may defend
Me from impiety and pride.
And if thy wisdom should extend
My span of life through many a day,
Be thou my guardian to the end,
Nor leave me when my hairs are grey.
But if my doom is hastening on.
Receive me in thy mercy, Lord!
And be thro’ Christ, thine only Son,
My Tower, my Shield, my great Reward.
(John Dunmore Lang)
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Based on Topics: Love Poems, God Poems, Life Poems, Faces Poems, Friendship Poems, Christianity Poems, Jesus Christ Poems, Sons Poems, Wisdom & Knowledge Poems, Power Poems, Prayers PoemsBased on Keywords: medway, impiety, gellert, angesicht, komme, flehen, ever-bounteous