My Evening Prayer

If I have wondered any soul to-day,

If I have caused one foot to go astray,

If I have walked in my own wilful way -

Good Lord, forgive!

If I have uttered idle words or vain,

If I have turned aside from want or pain,

Lest I myself should suffer through the strain -

Good Lord, forgive!

If I have craved for joys that are not mine,
If I have let my way wayward heart repine,
Dwelling on things of earth, not things divine -
Good Lord, forgive!

If I have been perverse, or hard, or cold,
If I have longed for shelter in Thy fold,
When Thou hast given me some part to hold -
Good Lord, forgive.

Forgive the sins I have confessed to Thee,
Forgive the secret sins I do not see,
That which I know not, Father, teach Thou me -
Help me to live.

~ Charles H. Gabriel