Denial of the selfish cares I crave

depends on selfless love to truly serve;

surrender idle days I richly save,

to give to Christ all glory He deserves.

This battle often fought my flesh observes,

beset by Satan's lies, my heart falls prey

and swiftly gives excuse to pride conserve.

O, passion freely leads my thoughts astray

from truth: for even love I small convey

can kindle living hope in deadened soul;

like comely lily thrives from faintest ray,

so godly virtues make the broken whole.

Abating earthly wants to fully love

renews these souls and honors God above.