A Contrite Heart

Dictionary.com gives the definition of "contrite" as, "caused by showing sincere remorse" or "filled with a sense of guilt and a desire for atonement." John Donne, the 17th century English poet and priest, captures that sentiment perfectly in his poem "A Hymn to God the Father." It is found in the Hymnal 1982, set to the chorale So giebst du nun. The tune was originally published in Dresden in 1695 and later harmonized by J. S. Bach. The poem's text may be found here.

A Hymn to God the Father

BY JOHN DONNE

Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun,

         Which was my sin, though it were done before?

Wilt thou forgive that sin, through which I run,

         And do run still, though still I do deplore?

                When thou hast done, thou hast not done,

                        For I have more.

Wilt thou forgive that sin which I have won

         Others to sin, and made my sin their door?

Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shun

         A year or two, but wallow'd in, a score?

                When thou hast done, thou hast not done,

                        For I have more.

I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun

         My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;

But swear by thyself, that at my death thy Son

         Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore;

                And, having done that, thou hast done;

                        I fear no more.