The speaker in this prayer comes before God feeling completely inadequate—she calls herself a weak, wretched sinner whose soul trembles and whose faith barely holds on. She isn’t just sad about past mistakes; the future terrifies her, and she’s convinced that without swift divine help, she’ll be lost. You can hear the anxiety in her voice, but also a raw, stubborn trust: even as she doubts her own love and strength, she knows those qualities belong to God alone. The mood is urgent and humbled, almost breathless. Instead of pretending to be devout, she admits she can’t even give her heart willingly, so she begs God to take it anyway, to be her strength and her saviour, and to force a life out of her that reflects his glory. It’s a deeply personal cry, moving from near-despair toward a kind of surrendered hope.
A Prayer — Summary
My God (oh, let me call Thee mine, Weak, wretched sinner though I be), My trembling soul would fain be Thine; My feeble faith still clings to Thee.
Not only for the Past I grieve, The Future fills me with dismay; Unless Thou hasten to relieve, Thy suppliant is a castaway.
I cannot say my faith is strong, I dare not hope my love is great; But strength and love to Thee belong; Oh, do not leave me desolate!
I know I owe my all to Thee; Oh, TAKE the heart I cannot give! Do Thou my strength--my Saviour be, And MAKE me to Thy glory live.