Savior, Prince of Israel’s Race

Savior, Prince of Israel’s race,
See me from Thy lofty throne;
Give the sweet relenting grace,
Soften this obdurate stone!
Stone to flesh, O God, convert;
Cast a look, and break my heart!

By Thy Spirit, Lord, reprove,
All my inmost sins reveal,
Sins against Thy light and love
Let me see, and let me feel;
Sins that crucified my God,
Spilt again Thy precious blood.

Jesu, seek Thy wandering sheep,
Make me restless to return;
Bid me look on Thee, and weep,
Bitterly as Peter mourn,
Till I say, by grace restored,
“Now Thou know’st I love Thee, Lord!”

Might I in Thy sight appear,
As the publican distressed,
Stand, not daring to draw near,
Smite on my unworthy breast,
Groan the sinner’s only plea,
“God, be merciful to me!”

O remember me for good,
Passing through the mortal vale!
Show me the atoning blood,
When my strength and spirit fail;
Give my gasping soul to see
Jesus crucified for me!

Author: Charles Wesley

Year: 1749

This is a well-known penitential hymn by Charles Wesley, first published in Hymns and Sacred Poems (1749). The style, language, and themes (including the reference to Peter and the publican) are characteristic of his work; no other plausible attributions exist.