1 Be merciful to me, O God!
Be merciful to me;
For though I sink beneath thy rod,
Yet do I trust in thee.

2 Thou art my refuge, and I know
My burden thou dost bear;
And I would seek, where'er I go,
To cast on thee my care.

3 Thou knowest, Lord, my flesh how frail,
Strong though my spirit be;
O, then assist, when foes assail,
The soul that cling to thee!

4 And, gracious Lord, whate'er befall,
A thankful heart be mine,
A heart that answers to thy call,
One that is wholly thine.