This old prayer takes it’s inspiration from a verse found in Psalm 51 which reads, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart ~ these, O God, You will not despise.”

O God, hear my voice,
Bring to birth in me that which You love
Let no enemy despoil or deceive.
Let no sin defile or grieve
Let no tyrant “I” complain
But bring to birth that which You love in me.

O God Almighty, I wait on Thee
Not for riches or might or power or wisdom.
I wait, that Thou wouldst give that
Which Thou lovest and that which lovest Thee
Not great gift, or power, but this
A broken spirit, a humble and contrite heart.

O God, I sue Thee for the gift
That will please Thee ever
Christ formed in me.
Against all odds, against all hopes
Thou art the God that calls that which is not
As though it is.
And I am in Christ, I would that Christ
Would be in me.

O God, stray thoughts, heart unbroke of self
These my enemies, these that offend, cast out.
O God, a fearful heart and imperfect trust
And thoughts that grieve, cast out.
O God, Thou art deliverer, Thou hast.
I rest me on Thy word
I rest me in Thee.