Indulgent Father, by whose care

1 Indulgent Father! by whose care,
I've passed another day,
let me this night thy mercy share,
And teach me how to pray.

2 Show me my sins, and how to moan
My guilt before thy face;
Direct me, Lord, to Christ alone,
And save me by thy grace.

3 Speak to my conscience, speak thou peace,
Through his atoning blood;
And grant me, Lord, a full release
From sins' oppressive load.

4 Show me my wants, and let me crave
Nothing but what is right;
Help me, by faith, on thee to live,
Then change my faith to sight.

5 Open to me thy gracious ear,
Great God my wants supply;
confirm my hope, relieve my fear,
And bid my murmurings die.

6 Guide me through life's mysterious path,
Nor let me from thee stray;
Preserve my fleeting, mortal breath
Through each revolving day.

7 Let each returning night declare
The tokens of thy love;
And every hour thy grace prepare
My soul for joys above.

8 And when on earth I close mine eyes,
To sleep in death's embrace,
Let me to heaven and glory rise,
To enjoy thy smiling face.

The Hartford Selection of Hymns from the most approved authors, 1799