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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A THANKSGIVING LITANY (SUGGESTED BY A POEM BY W. D. HOWELLS) by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS

First Line: LORD, ALL MY LITANY
Last Line: AND PRAY THEE, PARDON ME!
Subject(s): HOLIDAYS; THANKSGIVING;

Lord, all my litany
Mingled with praise must be;
All my thanksgivings rise
Joined with remorseful cries, --
My sin so mocks Thy name,
Thy grace so mends my shame.

Lord, for the angry word
(That only Thou hast heard);
Lord, for the wish to sin
(That wish alone has been), --
I pray Thee, pardon me;
(I offer thanks to Thee!)

Lord, for the baneful creed
(That has not passed to deed);
Lord, for the acted wrong
(Fought by a conscience strong), --
I pray Thee, pardon me;
(I offer thanks to Thee!)

Lord, for the stinging hiss
(That shamed itself to a kiss);
Lord, for the tasks undone
(That spur Thy workman on), --
I pray Thee, pardon me;
(I offer thanks to Thee!)

Yes, for my heart of sin
Thy grace is strong to win;
Yes, Lord, for all the woe
Wherein Thy mercies glow, --
I offer thanks to Thee,
And pray Thee, pardon me!



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