1 Oh merciful Creator! Hear
Our prayer, to Thee devoutly bent,
Which we pour forth with many a tear
In this Thy holy fast of Lent!

2 Thou mildest searcher of the heart,
Who know’st the weakness of our strength,
To us forgiving grace impart,
That we may seek Thy face at length.

3 We all have sinned, we own our shame,
But spare us who our sins confess,
And for the glory of Thy name,
To our sick souls afford redress.

4 Grant that the flesh may be so pined,
By means of outward abstinence,
As that the sober watchful mind
May fast from spots of foul offense!

5 Grant this, O blessèd Trinity!
Pure Son of God! to this incline.
That of our fast the fruit may be
A grateful recompense for Thine!