FATHER, I know that all my life

FATHER, I know that all my life

Is portioned out for me,

And the changes that will surely 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 sympathize.

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

And careful - less to serve Thee /much,/

Than to please Thee /perfectly./