I dared not hope that Thou wouldst deign to come -  Edwin Hatch

I dared not hope that Thou wouldst deign to come

And make this lowly heart of mine Thy home,

That Thou wouldst deign, O King of kings, to be

E’en for one hour a sojourner in me;

Yet art Thou always here to help, and bless,

And lift the load of my great sinfulness.

I dared not ever hope for such a Guide

To walk with me my faltering steps beside,

To help me when I fall, and when I stray

Constrain me gently to the better way;

Yet art Thou always at my side to be

A Counsellor and a Comforter to me.

I do not always go where Thou dost lead,

I do not always Thy soft whispers heed;

I follow other lights, and, in my sin,

I vex with many a slight my Friend within:

Yet Thou dost not, though grieved, from me depart,

But guardest still Thy place within my heart.