Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Anne Brontë 1820–49

A Prayer

Bronte

MY God (oh, let me call thee mine,

Weak, wretched sinner though I be),

My trembling soul would fain be thine;

My feeble faith still clings to thee.

Not only for the past I grieve,

The future fills me with dismay;

Unless Thou hasten to relieve,

Thy suppliant is a castaway.

I cannot say my faith is strong,

I dare not hope my love is great;

But strength and love to thee belong;

Oh, do not leave me desolate!

I know I owe my all to thee;

Oh, take the heart I cannot give!

Do Thou my strength—my Saviour be,

And make me to thy glory live.