A prayer

O, what a silent, subtle creeping,

Not a full-blown charging, leaping,

But a slither, quiet, humble

Moving close to make me stumble.

Evil doesn't roar its name;

It whispers, chanting in my frame. 

Bear me up, O Lord, lest I

Should fall, succumb, relent, and die. 

Rescue me from my distressing

Hear my plea and my confessing

Answer me and make me new;

Give me life, hide me in You.

Times will change, with seasons passing

Keep me in life everlasting

Teach me joy, contentment, calm

Let Your vict'ries be a balm.

Soothe my soul in endless wonder;

Let us not be rent asunder. 

Kill the creeping sin that follows.

Fill up all my holes and hollows

With the grace of Your great mercy;

Give me faith and keep me thirsty

For Your Word; in all my sorrow,

Help me look t'ward Your tomorrow.