"Forgive ... as we forgive"

MARY I. MESECHRE

When in my prayer
Forgiveness I implore from God on high,
Then do I dare
My own forgiving set to measure by?

Am I sincere
As I request the pardon I define?
Or would I fear
If God's forgiving did but equal mine?

"As we forgive"
Is not alone the measure of degree;
But as we live,
And day by day strive more like Him to be,

We come to know
That true forgiveness doth His will reveal;
And even so,
God's pardon doth our own forgiving seal.

"As we forgive"
Makes no attempt at choosing fitting place,
To negative
Sincerity in seeking pardoning grace.

For vainly still
Is true forgiveness sought by such as claim
To do God's will,
Yet as they pray condemn a brother's name.

So in our prayer,
"As we forgive," dear Father, we entreat—
Not how, nor where;
When we forgive, make Thou the act complete.

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