Pleading for Mercy

I

In mercy, not in wrath, rebuke
Thy feeble worm, my God!
My spirit dreads thy angry look,
And trembles at thy rod.

II

Have mercy, Lord, for I am weak;
Regard my heavy groans;
O let thy voice of comfort speak,
And heal my broken bones!

III

By day, my busy beating head
Is fill’d with anxious fears;
By night, upon my restless bed,
I weep a flood of tears.

IV

Thus I sit desolate and mourn,
Mine eyes grow dull with grief;
How long, my Lord, ere thou return,
And bring my soul relief?

V

O come and show thy power to save,
And spare my fainting breath;
For who can praise thee in the grave,
Or sing thy name in death?

VI

Satan, my cruel envious foe,
Insults me in my pain;
He smiles to see me brought so low,
And tells me hope is vain.

VII

But hence, thou enemy, depart!
Nor tempt me to despair;
My Saviour comes to cheer my heart,
The Lord has heard my prayer.