O kind Creator, bow Thine ear To mark the cry, to know the tear Before Thy throne of mercy spent In this Thy holy fast of Lent. Our hearts are open, Lord, to Thee: Thou knowest our infirmity; Pour out on all who seek Thy face Abundance of Thy pardoning grace. Our sins are many, this we know; Spare us, good Lord, Thy mercy show; And for the honor of Thy name Our fainting souls to life reclaim. Give us the self-control that springs From discipline of outward things, That fasting inward secretly The soul may purely dwell with Thee. We pray Thee, Holy Trinity, One God, unchanging Unity, That we from this our abstinence May reap the fruits of penitence.