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Hymn Source = The Hymnal (1911), the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A.
Words by John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) in 1867
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1. I bow my forehead to the dust,
I veil mine eyes for shame,
And urge, in trembling distrust,
A prayer without a claim.
No offering of mine own I have,
No works my faith to prove;
I can but give the gifts He gave,
And plead His love for love.
2. I know not what the future hath
Of marvel or surprise,
Assured alone that life and death
His mercy underlies.
And so beside the silent sea
I wait the muffled oar;
No harm from Him can come to me
On Ocean or on shore.
3. I know not where His islands lift
Their fronded palms in air;
I only know I cannot drift
Beyond His love and care.
And Thou, O Lord, by whom are seen
Thy creatures as they be,
Forgive me if too close I lean
My human heart on Thee.
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