I dared not hope thatThou wouldst deign to come, (Nachtlied)

I dared not hope that Thou wouldst deign to come
And make this lowly heart of mine Thy home,
That Thou wouldst deign, O King of kings, to be
E'en for one hour a sojourner in me;
Yet art Thou always here to help, and bless,
And lift the load of my great sinfulness.

I dared not ever hope for such a Guide
To walk with me my faltering steps beside,
To help me when I fall, and when I stray
Constrain me gently to the better way;
Yet art Thou always at my side to be
A Counselor and a Comforter to me.

I do not always go where Thou dost lead,
I do not always Thy soft whispers heed;
I follow other lights, and, in my sin,
I vex with many a slight my Friend within:
Yet Thou dost not, though grieved, from me depart,
But guardest still Thy place within my heart.