Thou Knowest, Lord (Hawkes) (EN 1835)

EN 1835

Thou Knowest, Lord (Hawkes)

Ps.139.1

Thou knowest, Lord, Thou know’st my life’s deep story,

And all the mingled good and ill I do;

Thou seest my shame, my few stray gleams of glory,

Where I am false and where my soul rings true.

Lord, I am glad Thou know’st my inmost being,

Glad Thou dost search the secrets of my heart;

I would not hide one folly from Thy seeing,

Nor shun Thy healing touch to save the smart.

Like warp and woof the good and ill are blended,

Nor do I see the pattern that I weave;

Yet in Thy love the whole is comprehended,

And in Thy hand my future lot I leave.

Only, dear Lord, make plain the path of duty;

Let not my shame and sorrow weigh me down,

Lest in despair I fail to see its beauty,

And weeping vainly, miss the victor’s crown.