Humility in Service

Mighty God,

I humble myself for abilities I have misused,
   opportunities I have neglected,
   ill-advised words I have spoken.
I repent of my folly and inconsiderate ways,
   my broken resolutions, untrue service,
   my backsliding steps,
   my vain thoughts.
O bury my sins in the ocean of Jesus' blood
   and let no evil result from my fretful temper,
      unseemly behavior, provoking pettiness.
If by unkindness I have wounded or hurt another,
   would you apply the healing salve of heavenly comfort?
If I have turned coldly from need, misery, grief,
   please do not forsake me in your just anger:
If I have withheld relief from poverty and pain,
   do not withhold thy gracious bounty from me.

If I have shunned those who have offended me
   will you keep open the door of your heart to my need?


Fill me with an over-flowing ocean of compassion
   the reign of love my motive,
   the law of love my rule.


O God of all grace, make me more thankful,
   more humble;
Inspire me with a deep sense of my unworthiness
   arising from
      the depravity of my nature, my omitted duties,
      my unimproved advantages, your commands
         violated by me.
With all my calls to gratitude and joy
   may I remember
      that I have reason for sorrow
         and humiliation;
O give me repentance unto life;
Cement my oneness with my blessed Lord,
   that my faith may cling to him more immovably,
   that my love may entwine itself around him more tightly,
   that his Spirit may pervade every fibre of my being.
Then send me out to make him known
   to my fellow-men.