Quotable

Quotable

Once I prayed—

(I knew not what I said)

“Show me myself, O Lord!”

Alas, I did not dread

The hideous sight

(Which now I shudder to behold),

Because I knew not self aright.

And I was led

In answer to my prayer,

As step by step, to see

My wretched heart laid bare;

Then I prayed,

“Stay, Lord, I cannot bear the sight!”

And pityingly His hand was stayed.

Now I pray

(I know the prayer is right),

“Show me Thyself, O Lord,

Be to my soul the Bright

And Morning Star,

To shine upon the grave of self,

And lead my heart from earth afar!”

—Helen McDowell