I Dared Not Hope That Thou Wouldst Degi

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 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 dost Thou not, though grieved, from me depart, But guardest still Thy place within my heart.