1 We come to thee, O God,
With hushed and solemn strain;
We come to plead for those who lie
Bound with the prisoner's chain.

2 Oh, give them contrite hearts
To feel their fearful sin,
And give to us a patient faith
Those erring ones to win.

3 Give us to love thy law,
The paths of vice to shun,
But never harshly dare to spurn
The suffering, sinful one.