A Last Prayer

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FATHER, I scarcely dare to pray,
  So clear I see, now it is done,
That I have wasted half my day,
  And left my work but just begun;

So clear I see that things I thought  
  Were right or harmless were a sin;
So clear I see that I have sought,
  Unconscious, selfish aims to win;

So clear I see that I have hurt
  The souls I might have helped to save;  
That I have slothful been, inert,
  Deaf to the calls thy leaders gave.

In outskirts of thy kingdoms vast,
  Father, the humblest spot give me;
Set me the lowliest task thou hast;  
  Let me repentant work for thee!

© Helen Hunt Jackson