291 We Have Not Known Thee

[1]
We have not known Thee as we ought
Nor learned Thy wisdom grace and power;
The things of earth have led our thought
And trifles of the passing hour.
Lord give us light Thy truth to see
And make us wise in knowing Thee.

[2]
We have not feared Thee as we ought
Nor bowed beneath Thine awful eye
Nor guarded deed and word and thought
Remembering that God was nigh.
Lord give us faith to know Thee near
And grant the grace of holy fear.

[3]
We have not loved Thee as we ought
Nor cared that we are loved by Thee;
Thy presence we have coldly sought
And feebly longed Thy face to see.
Lord give a pure and loving heart
To feel and own the love Thou art.

[4]
We have not served Thee as we ought;
Alas! the duties left undone
The work with little fervor wrought
The battles lost or scarcely won!
Lord give the zeal and give the might
For Thee to toil for Thee to fight.

[5]
When shall we know Thee as we ought
And fear and love and serve aright!
When shall we out of trial brought
Be perfect in the land of light!
Lord may we day by day prepare
To see Thy face and serve Thee there.