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“Let My Thoughts Abide in Thee”

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, and travel writer. His most well-known books include Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This prayer comes from a collection of his many short works and poems.

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.