"O unapproachable Light, how can I fold these guilty hands before Thee? How can I pray to Thee with lips that have spoken false and churlish words?

A heart hardened with vindictive passions:

An unruly tongue:

A fretful disposition:

An unwillingness to bear the burdens of others:

An undue willingness to let others bear my burdens:

High professions joined to low attainments:

Fine words hiding shabby thoughts:

A friendly face masking a cold heart:

Many neglected opportunities and many uncultivated talents:

Much love and beauty unappreciated and many blessings unacknowledged:

All these I confess to Thee, O God.

I thank Thee, O loving Father, that, holy and transcendent as Thou art, Thou hast through all the ages shown Thyself to be accessible to the prayers of erring mortals such as I; and especially I praise Thy name that in the gospel of Jesus Christ, Thou has opened up a new and living way into Thy presence, making Thy mercy free to all who have nothing else to plead."

In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ I pray. Amen."

~John Baillie