The Magdalene's prayer

1 Bowing at Thy Cross, O Jesus,
With my load of grief and sin,
Bruised- wounded in life's battle–
Foes without and foes within;
Hear me now, O Christ, my Saviour,
in my time of greatest need;
Look on me with deep compassion,
And for me pray intercede.

2 Years ago in sinless childhood,
Ere my feet were led astray,
At the evening hour low bending,
Mother taught me how to pray.
But I heeded not life's pitfalls,
Hidden 'neath the fragrant flowers
Yielded duty up to pleasure;
Wasted all the golden hours.

3 But at last Thy Cross, O Jesus
Sets my conquered soul aflame;
And my load of sin has vanished,
Praised be Thy glorious Name.
Thou for me hath interceded,
And my feet no longer stray.
Now my mother's prayers prevaileth
As I near the shining way.

AMEN.

Source: The A.M.E. Zion Hymnal: official hymnal of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church #419