Crippled so I could not walk
I sighed, and grieved alone —
so overwrought no help I sought,
my face turned from His throne.

The prayers I prayed in former days
I thought presumptuous now.
A king’s own heir, and battles won?
Ashamed, I hid my brow.

“Forgive me, Lord,” I trembling said,
“because I was so bold.
No crippled heir can climb Your stair
nor walk Your streets of gold.

“Through some mistake, I now perceive,
I thought I heard You call.
I tried my best but failed the test;
I cannot walk at all.

“What strength I had is gone away,
My heart is sorely rent.
How can I walk an uphill path
when all my might is spent?”

Asleep, I dreamed His hand took mine
and raised me from my bed.
I was so weak I could not speak;
my limbs had turned to lead.

I had to lean with all my weight
on Him, or I would fall.
He said, “My child, you’ve just begun.
My strength supporteth all.”