Prayer for Deliverance from Temptation by William B. Sprague

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Apr 18, 1878

Prayer for Deliverance from Temptation.

By William B. Sprague

Not in my strength, or proper sight, To tell me how to walk, In my dependence for the fight, For rightful views or talk. But only in Thy strength and care, I turn from vain deceit, And break with ev'ry step a snare, That threatens at my feet.

In God's protection firm I tread, Yet fear temptation's bait; Well knowing that both heart and head, Must at truth's altar wait, If I to evil turn aside, And lose Thy truth's defense, Thy peace cannot with me abide, For tears of penitence.

Then guard me with Thy strong right arm, And turn my foes aside; O Lord, smite down the ills that harm, And let me in Thee hide. Yea, more than all, my heart subdue From pride, and lust of wrong; Then shall I prosper in the view Of help, divinely strong!

—W. B. S.