Thou, Lord, by strictest
search hast known
My rising up and lying
down;
My secret thoughts are
known to Thee,
Known long before
conceived by me.
Thine
eye my bed and path
surveys,
My public haunts and
private ways,
Thou know’st what ’tis my
lips would vent,
My yet unuttered word’s
intent.
Surrounded by Thy power
I stand,
On every side I find Thy
hand;
O skill, for human reach
too high!
Too dazzling bright for
mortal eye!
Search, try, O God, my
thought and heart,
If mischief lurks in any
part;
Correct me where I go
astray,
And guide me in Thy
perfect way.
