I want an heart to pray

1 I want an heart to pray;
To pray, and never cease:
Never to murmur at thy stay,
Or with my sufferings less.

2 This blessing above all,
Always to pray, I want;
Out of the deep on thee to call,
And never, never faint.

3 I want a true regard,
A single, steady aim,
(Unmoved by threatening, or reward--)
To thee, and thy great name.

4 A jealous just concern
For thine immortal praise;
A pure desire, that all may learn
And glorify thy grace.

5 I want with all my heart
Thy pleasure to fulfill;
To know myself, and what thou art,
And what thy perfect will.

6 I want, I know not what;
I want my wants to see:
I want, alas! what want I not,
When thou art not in me?

The Christian's duty, exhibited in a series of hymns, 1791