A Childlike Spirit.


Father, I know that all my life

Is portioned out for me;

The changes that will surely 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

A heart at leisure from itself,

To soothe and sympathize.

I would not have the restless will,

That hurries to and fro.

That seeks for some great thing to do,

Or secret thing to know;

I would be treated as a child,

And guided where I go.

Wherever in the world I am,

In whatsoever estate, '

I have a fellowship with hearts

To keep and cultivate

A work of lowly love to do

For Him on whom I wait.

I ask thee for the daily strength,

To none that ask denied

A mind to blend with outward life,

While keeping at thy side;

Content to fill a little space,

If thou be glorified.

And if some things I do not ask

Among my blessings be,

I'd have my spirit filled the more

With grateful love to thee;

More careful not to serve thee much—

But please thee perfectly.



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