Mere Cognition

Lord, I look upon the my house
In its ruin and its desolation
I recognize my iniquity
My rebellion against you
When I would pray to turn away
Yet cling to the comfort of complacency

In my stubbornness you left me
To teach me lessons I would not learn
And the consequence is laid bare
The chances you gave me
Squandered at the expense of my charge

O wretched, sinful man that I am!
My transgression destroys the other half of my flesh
I pass it on to my descendants
The land groans in hatred!

But you, my Lord, my savior
Plucked me once out of the ways of death!
Twice you have given me redemption
Thrice you told me, "no, my work for you is not done"
You mend my heart, you renew my mind
In your mercy you restore me!

Lord, I call out to you
I ask for one more thing
O wretched man that I am,
What standing do I have to petition you
When every day I stumble again
Will you not hear the groaning of my heart's desire?
Will you turn your face from the wrenching of my soul?

Your love is boundless, your mercies daily anew
Blot out my iniquity, drive it from my bones
You hear the groanings of heart
And wrenching of soul.
Your steadfastness does not abandon me
I see your works, I perceive your grace
You do not cast me away
You strengthen me, you refine me
You alone sustain me.