Father, I know that all my life Is portioned out for me; And the changes that are sure to come I do not fear to see; I ask Thee for a present mind, Intent on pleasing Thee.
I ask Thee for a thoughtful love, Through constant watching wise, To meet the glad with joyful smiles, And wipe the weeping eyes, And a heart, at leisure from itself, To soothe and sympathize.
I would not have the restless will That hurries to and fro, E’er seeking some great thing to do, Or secret thing to know; I would be treated as a child, And guided where I go.
Wherever in this world I am, In whatsoe’er estate, I have a fellowship with hearts To keep and cultivate, And a work of lowly love to do For the Lord on whom I wait.
So I ask Thee for daily strength— To none that ask denied— And a mind to blend with outward life, While keeping at Thy side; Content to fill a little space, If Thou be glorified.
There are briers besetting every path, Which call for constant care; There is a cross in every lot, And an earnest need for prayer; But a lowly heart that leans on Thee, Is happy everywhere.
In a service which Thy love appoints There are no bonds for me, For my inmost heart has learned the truth Which makes Thy children free, And a life of self-renouncing love Is a life of liberty.
