Forgive me, Lord,
when I pray, “Give me!”
yet share nothing of what I have
with my neighbor in need.

Forgive me, Lord,
when I plead, “Help me!”
but never trust Your perfect will—
wholly good, wholly kind.

Forgive me,
when I gaze upon the Cross
without the tearful yoke
of love and sacrifice,
yet say, “I am willing to bear it.”

Forgive me,
when I long to be used by You,
but refuse to be broken first
into nothingness.

Forgive me,
when I cry, “Make me obedient!”
yet hold fast to my will,
my desires unpierced.

Forgive me, Lord,
when I say, “Let me serve You,”
but do not receive the freedom
Christ has already given.

Forgive me,
when I cry, “Lead me!”
yet boast in the sight of my own eyes,
and not in Yours.

Forgive me,
when I ask, “Forgive me!”
but block the river of forgiveness
that should flow through me.

Forgive me,
when I pray, “Use me greatly!”
without suffering, patience,
or the quiet altar of the heart.

Forgive me,
when I ask, “Bless me!”
not to inherit heaven’s kingdom,
but to gain a little more of the earth.

Forgive me, Lord,
when I say, “I give all freely,”
yet keep the best for myself,
and offer You only what is left.

O Lord—
let my prayer become true prayer.
Teach me to say “Thank You”
for what I have, for all You give.
Clothe me in humility,
and lift my eyes to heaven
to say,

“Your will be done.”

Amen.