But I Can't

I wish I could commendMy righteousness to you,But I can't.I wish I could brag ofMy strength to you,But i can't.I wish I could boast about my wisdomTo you,But I can't.I wish I could point you to my trackRecord,But I can't.You know me better than I know myself.I never escape your eye.You search the deepest regions of my heart.You know my thoughts before they are conscious of me.You know my words beforeI hear myself speak them.You examine my desires beforeThey move me to action.So without pretense or inadequate Excuse,Stripped of pride and self defence,I bow before you,Devoid of demand or argument,And I make one plea.It is for your mercy.I have come to acceptWhat you know of me,And I cry for one thing-Grace._______For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:“I dwell in the high and holy place,And also with him who is a contrite and lowly spirit,To revive the spirit of the lowly,And to receive the heart of the contrite.” (Isa. 57:15)Pray and search through you heart-are there sins you excuse or defend,Is there pride pretense, or do you demand something from God becauseOf your self righteousness? Humbly offer your discoveries to God.Review your knowledge of various biblical heroes, particularly considering the momentsWhen God revealed sin in their hearts. How did they react? ( to help get started, see Job 38-42:6 or 2 Samuel 12)For further study and encouragement, read psalm 139.