To My Humble Supplication

To my humble supplication,
Lord, give ear and acceptation;
Save Thy servant, that hath none
Help nor hope but Thee alone.

Send, O send, relieving gladness
To my soul oppressed with sadness,
Which, from clog of earth set free,
Winged with zeal, flies up to Thee.

To Thee, rich in mercies’ treasure,
And in goodness without measure,
Never failing help to those
Who on Thy sure help repose.

Heavenly Tutor, of Thy kindness,
Teach my dullness, guide my blindness,
That my steps Thy paths may tread,
Which to endless bliss do lead.

Author: Joseph Bryan

Year: 1621

This is a metrical version of Psalm 86:1-7, 11. The lyrics first appeared in print in 1621 in 'The Psalmes of David in Meeter' (often associated with Scottish or English psalters). Joseph Bryan is the most commonly credited translator/adapter; some sources attribute similar psalm paraphrases to Sir Edwin Sandys or note it as anonymous in certain hymnals.