From the recesses of a lowly spirit

1 From the recesses of a lowly spirit,
Our humble prayer ascends; O, Father! hear it,
Upsoaring on the wings of awe and meekness!
Forgive its weakness!

2 We see thy hand; it leads us, it supports us!
We hear thy voice; it counsels and it courts us:
And then we turn away; and still thy kindness
Forgives our blindness.

3 Oh, how long-suffering, Lord! but thou delightest,
To win with love the wandering; thou invitest,
By smiles of mercy, not by frowns or terrors,
Man from his errors.

4 Father and Saviour! plant within each bosom
The seeds of holiness, and bid them blossom
In fragrance and in beauty bright and vernal,
And spring eternal.

5 Then place them in thine everlasting gardens,
Where angels walk, and seraphs are the wardens;
Where ev'ry flower, escaped through death's dark portal,
Becomes immortal.

Source: Laudes Domini: a selection of spiritual songs ancient and modern #212

• MIDI file from The Cyber Hymnal #10497