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Lyric Poem · Peace

Prayer

by Robert Louis Stevenson

I ASK good things that I detest,

With speeches fair;

Heed not, I pray Thee, Lord, my breast,

But hear my prayer.

I say ill things I would not say -

Things unaware:

Regard my breast, Lord, in Thy day,

And not my prayer.

My heart is evil in Thy sight:

My good thoughts flee:

O Lord, I cannot wish aright -

Wish Thou for me.

O bend my words and acts to Thee,

However ill,

That I, whate'er I say or be,

May serve Thee still.

O let my thoughts abide in Thee

Lest I should fall:

Show me Thyself in all I see,

Thou Lord of all.

This poem is in the public domain.

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