The Backslider's Prayer

1 Hear me, O Redeemer, hear,
My huble suit receive;
While I all my wants declare,
And how unhel'd I griev;
JESUS master I have sinn'd,
My sol hath greatly gone astray,
Dear Redeemer be my friend,
And bring me on my way.

2 I am hungry all my cry,
Is for the living bread;
Neither have I ought to buy,
Nor any thing to plead:
Helpless begging at the door,
I ask the food that came from heav'n,
See me needy, lost, and poor,
And let relief be giv'n.

3 Hidden manna, Lord, reveal,
For this behold I pant;
Let thine ears consider well
The voice of my complaint;
Let the tree of life relieve
A weary traveller near to die;
May it plese thee, Lord, to give,
To one who cannot buy.

4 Empty send me not away,
For I am come from far;
do not, dearest Lord, delay,
And leave me to dispair;
Give me of thy flesh to eat,
O! let me of thy nature share;
At thy banquet take my seat,
And feast for ever there.


Source: A Selection of Psalms and Hymns: done under the appointment of the Philadelphian Association #CCLXXX