A Prayer for Perfection
By Edson Carpenter
When Thou shalt come in glory, Lord,
And in the clouds of heaven appear,
When o'er earth's wide domain is heard
That trumpet call the dead shall hear,
Waiting and watching may I be;
With joy may I behold Thy face;
With undimmed eyes Thy glory see,
And with Thy people have a place. O, may I Thy commands obey,
Thy law be treasured in my heart,
And in Thy service spend each day,
Nor from the narrow way depart;
May I retain no cherished sin,
No evil passion rule my will,
But may Thy presence dwell within,
With joy and peace my spirit fill. O, give me strength my load to bear;
I can not go my way alone.
And may I feel Thy presence near
In night's dark gloom, through ways unknown.
Tho friends may fail, Thou art the same.
To Thee, O Lord, be glory given,
Exalted high be Thy great name,
By all on earth, by all in heaven. And when that last great day shall come,
And earthly things shall pass away,
And Thou shalt take Thy people home,
To dwell with Thee in fadeless day,
O, grant that I may worthy be,
Robed in Christ's righteousness to stand,
To wear a crown of victory,
And have a place at Thy right hand.