I prostrate, Lord, before Thee

I prostrate

Lord

before Thee

Marvel at boundless grace

That I

though chief of sinners

Am saved

brought to Thy face.

World-loving as a sinner

I never thought of Thee;

Encompassing with mercy

Thou sought and came to me.

Tangled and troubled daily

By sins that filled my heart

I never sought Thy freedom

All seeking’s on Thy part.

Though I did hear Thee calling

I never cared for Thee;

I even fought Thy working

Became an enemy.

For reasons I can’t fathom

Thou lovest one in sin;

The price in blood brought pardon

Thy peace and rest came in.

A sinner midst the sinful

In flesh I spent my days;

Why lovest Thee this sinner

With vile and crafty ways?

Crude manger was Thy cradle

Of fastings didst partake;

A painful path Thou takest

And suffered for my sake.

For me Thou didst consider?

No bitterness forego?

Thus I was spared such fury

And taste God’s blessings so?

Midst men

then

am I better?

More noble

then

was I

That Thou should’st so be willing

To suffer

bleed

and die?

When I myself consider

There’s nothing to be praised;

I wonder at such ransom

And by such love amazed.

I find no cause nor reason

That Thou

my God

should’st gain

By loving this vile rebel;

Such grace I can’t explain.

No

not because I’m worthy

Nor that I’ve merit high

But that Thou dost love sinners

That

that alone is why.

Much was the grace imparted

Much may I earnest be

Both loving and obeying

And not ashamed of Thee.

More mercy show unto me

For still this heart is cold;

Though mighty grace I’ve sighted

Still more I need to hold.

Thy heav’nly throne Thou leavest

For me to Calv’ry trod

Yet I am still half-hearted

With apathy toward God.

The world holds my allegiance

Thy path too narrow felt

My little self too precious

And yet I am indwelt.

When I my case consider

My heart does feel some loss;

Hating my nature rotten

My vicious living’s dross.

Thou Lord

didst know already

My heart would be like this.

Since Thou foreknew my coolness

Why didst Thou impart grace?

To bear with pain and mockings

From heaven to depart?

Accepting earth’s mistreatings

To woo this hard

cold heart?

E’en though Thou knew my nature

To shed dear blood for me?

E’en though Thou knew I’m evil

To suffer painfully?

Yes

Thou didst know my coolness

My fickle mood and heart;

Yet Thou wouldst pay most dearly

Die for me

life impart.

When I such love consider

I weep without restraint;

My Savior is all-giving

My thanks compared is faint.

O Lord

Thy love in vastness

I cannot understand;

Not seemly I would worship

Nor can I comprehend.

Though glory’s joy I’ve tasted

My heart is much too small;

I’ll sing Thy praises ever

Before Thy throne I’ll fall.

While in that brightness glor’ous

I’ll never cease to praise

For grace and love that sought me

Worship through endless days.

I long in Thy bright city

My praise might be complete

Thy love and grace to fathom

My thanks to Thee replete.