This is an excerpt from a prayer entitled “Yet I Sin” from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions. It reminds me of Paul’s declaration in 2 Corinthians 6:10 that the life of a Christian is marked as one that is “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.” I don’t know of anyone that speaks more eloquently on this subject than John Piper.
Work in me more profound and abiding repentance;
Give me the fullness of a godly grief that trembles and fears,
yet ever trusts and loves,
which is ever powerful, and ever confident;
Grant that through the tears of repentance I may see more clearly
the brightness and glories of the saving cross.