Merciful Father,
Do not let pride swell my heart. My body is made from 
the mire beneath my feet, the dust to which I shall return. 
In body I am no better than the vilest reptile. Whatever 
difference of form and intellect is mine, is a free grant of Thy goodness. 

Base as I am as a creature, I am lower as a sinner. 
Sin's deformity . . .
  is stamped upon me,
  darkens my brow,
  touches me with corruption.

How can I flaunt myself proudly?
Lowest abasement is my due place, for I am less 
than nothing before Thee Help me to see myself in 
Your sight, then pride must wither, decay, die,
perish! 

Humble my heart before Thee and replenish it with 
Thy choicest gifts. Keep me humble, meek, lowly.

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