Verse 1

HOLY Spirit! pity me, Pierced with grief for grieving Thee; Present, though I mourn apart, Listen to a wailing heart.

Verse 2

Sins unnumbered I confess, Of exceeding sinfulness; Sins against Thyself alone, Only to Omniscience known;

Verse 3

Deafness to Thy whispered calls, Rashness midst remembered falls, Transient fears beneath the rod, Treacherous trifling with my God;

Verse 4

Tasting that the Lord is good, Pining then for poisoned food; At the fountains of the skies Craving creaturely supplies;

Verse 5

Worldly cares at worship-time; Grovelling aims in works sublime; Pride, when God is passing by; Sloth, when souls in darkness die;

Verse 6

Chilled devotions, changed desires, Quenched corruption’s earlier fires: Sins like these my heart deceive, Thee, who only know’st them, grieve.

Verse 7

O how lightly have I slept With Thy daily wrongs unwept, Sought Thy chidings to defer, Shunned the wounded Comforter:

Verse 8

Woke to holy labours fresh With the plague-spot in my flesh; Angel seemed to human sight, Stood a leper in Thy light.

Verse 9

Still Thy comforts do not fail, Still Thy healing aids avail; Patient inmate of my breast, Thou art grieved, yet I am blest.

Verse 10

O be merciful to me, Now in bitterness for Thee. Father, pardon through Thy Son Sins against Thy Spirit done. Amen.

Background: Holy Spirit Pity Me Pierced With Grief