I.
"My times are in Thy hand." -- Psalm XXXI.15
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;But 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 to wipe the weeping eyes;And a heart at leisure from itself, To soothe and sympathise.
I would not have the restless will That hurries to and fro,Seeking 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 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 the 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.
And if some things I do not ask, In my cup of blessing be,I would have my spirit filled the more With grateful love to Thee --More careful -- not to serve Thee much, But to please Thee perfectly.
There are briers besetting every path, That call for patient care;There is a cross in every lot, And an earnest need for prayer;But a lowly heart that leans on Thee Is happy anywhere.
In a service which Thy will appoints, There are no bonds for me,For my inmost heart is taught "the truth" That makes Thy children "free;"And a life of self-renouncing love Is a life of liberty.
