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
Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >| First Line: | Hear me, O God, nor hide thy face |
| Title: | A Prayer of the Afflicted |
| Author: | Isaac Watts |
| Meter: | 8.6.8.6 |
| Language: | English |
| Copyright: | Public Domain |
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