Lord, keep my hands from shedding blood, My thoughts and actions, too, And keep my words from maliced speech, For that is murder, too. And let me trust that You are just, When I see evil done, And not turn to my own designs, But let You be the Judge. And temper, too, my instincts for, Your justice with Your mercy, And help me see through Jesus' eyes; Compassion for the unworthy.
O Lord, I have transgressed, What's right I can not do, Nor even can confess; Unless I've aid of You. And if You should deny, My insufficient plea, Then I would surely die, Damned through eternity. Lord, You remain the same, Howe'er the winds may blow, Each tactic that You claim, Is but the means to show, That You are in control, And You guide all that is; From damning of a soul, To bringing it to bliss. How great will be the fall, Of justice on the lost, Yet blessing will befall, Those prostrate at the cross. So when Your sword is raised, Cleave but my sin from me. Alive again to praise, Your mercy unto me.
How quickly I am wont to stray, And manufacture my own gods. Lord, take my wandering away, And strip away my sin's façade. For when I hear, I do not heed, But do what brings myself delight. Lord, draw me to what You decreed, Restraining me to what is right. And I withhold what You demand, I bar the center of my heart. Lord, break my bars, lest I be damned, And make my idols to depart. Your thunderings have silenced me, I stand here naked and dismayed. I have no moral purity, And should be given to the grave! For You have ruined all my food, That I may look to You for bread, You purged the lusts which I pursued, That I find joy in You instead. You sacrificed Yourself for me, And You made up my weaknesses, You rescued me for sanctity, Now make me do as Your Word says. Lord, Your salvation shows You great, I know the mighty things You've done. With fear, I will my sin forsake, With love, I look to serve Your Son.
Sermon Poems 