Father, I know that all my life

Father, I know that all my lifeIs portioned out for me;The changes that are sure to comeI do not fear to see;I ask thee for a present mindIntent 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 willThat 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;A work of lowly love to doFor Him on whom I wait.

I ask thee for the daily strength,To none that ask denied,A mind to blend with outward lifeWhile keeping at thy side;Content to fill a little space,If thou be glorified.

And if some things I do not askThou givest, Lord, to me,Then shall my spirit rise the moreWith grateful love to thee;Still careful, not to serve thee less,But more, and perfectly.