A Prayer of the Afflicted

1. Hear me, O GOD, nor hide your face;
But answer, lest I die;
Have you not built a throne of grace,
To hear when sinners cry?
My days are wasted like the smoke
Dissolving in the air;
My bones are dry, my heart is broke,
And sinking in despair.

2. My spirit flags like with'ring grass,
Burnt with excessive heat;
In secret groans my minutes pass,
And I forget to eat.
As on some lonely building's top
The sparrow tells her moan,
Far from the tents of joy and hope
I sit and grieve alone.

3. My Cup is mingled with my woes,
And tears are my repast;
My daily Bread, like ashes, grows
Unpleasant to my taste.
My looks like withered leaves appear;
And life's declining light
Grows faint, as ev'ning shadows are
Which vanish into night.

4. But you forever are the same,
O my eternal GOD;
Ages to come shall know your name,
And spread your works abroad.
You will arise, and show your face,
Nor will my Lord delay
Beyond th' appointed hour of grace,
That long-expected day.

Source: Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship #113

• MIDI file from The Cyber Hymnal #2235