I Cannot Do This Alone

A poem by Dietrich Banhoeffer


Oh God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray
And to concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone.

In me there is darkness,
But in you there is light.
I am lonely, but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with you there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,
But you know the way for me...

Restore me to liberty,
And enable me to live now
That I may answer before you and before me.
Lord whatever this day may bring,
Your name be praised.