Bending the Knee of the Heart

O Lord, you are full of compassion, * long-suffering, and abounding in mercy.

You hold back your hand; * you do not punish as we deserve.

In your great goodness, Lord, you have promised forgiveness to sinners, *

that they may repent of their sin and be saved. 

And now, O Lord, I bend the knee of my heart, * and make my appeal, sure of your gracious goodness. 

I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, * and I know my wickedness only too well. 

Therefore I make this prayer to you: * Forgive me, Lord, forgive me. 

Do not let me perish in my sin, * nor condemn me to the depths of the earth.

(A Song of Penitence, Book of Common Prayer)