LORD, LIKE THE PUBLICAN I STAND

"The publican...smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner." Luke 18:13

Words: Thomas Raffles, 1831.
Music: "Avondale," Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (1856-1932).

Lord, like the publican I stand,
And lift my heart to Thee;
Thy pardoning grace, O God, command,
Be merciful to me.

I smite upon my anxious breast,
O'erwhelmed with agony;
O save my soul by sin oppressed,
Be merciful to me.

My guilt, my shame, I all confess,
I have no hope nor plea
But Jesus' blood and righteousness;
Be merciful to me.

Here at Thy cross I still would wait,
Nor from its shelter flee,
But Thou, O God, in mercy great,
Art merciful to me.