"My times are in Thy hand." -- Psalm XXXI.15 <br /> <br /> <br />Father, I know that all my life <br />Is portioned out for me, <br />And the changes that are sure to come, <br />I do not fear to see; <br />But I ask Thee for a present mind <br />Intent on pleasing Thee. <br /> <br />I ask Thee for a thoughtful love, <br />Through constant watching wise, <br />To meet the glad with joyful smiles, <br />And to wipe the weeping eyes; <br />And a heart at leisure from itself, <br />To soothe and sympathise. <br /> <br />I would not have the restless will <br />That hurries to and fro, <br />Seeking for some great thing to do <br />Or secret thing to know; <br />I would be treated as a child, <br />And guided where I go. <br /> <br />Wherever in the world I am, <br />In whatsoe'er estate, <br />I have a fellowship with hearts <br />To keep and cultivate; <br />And a work of lowly love to do <br />For the Lord on whom I wait. <br /> <br />So I ask Thee for the daily strength, <br />To none that ask denied, <br />And a mind to blend with outward life <br />While keeping at Thy side; <br />Content to fill a little space, <br />If Thou be glorified. <br /> <br />And if some things I do not ask, <br />In my cup of blessing be, <br />I would have my spirit filled the more <br />With grateful love to Thee -- <br />More careful -- not to serve Thee much, <br />But to please Thee perfectly. <br /> <br />There are briers besetting every path, <br />That call for patient care; <br />There is a cross in every lot, <br />And an earnest need for prayer; <br />But a lowly heart that leans on Thee <br />Is happy anywhere. <br /> <br />In a service which Thy will appoints, <br />There are no bonds for me, <br />For my inmost heart is taught "the truth" <br />That makes Thy children "free;" <br />And a life of self-renouncing love <br />Is a life of liberty.<br /><br />Anna Laetitia Waring<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/father-i-know-that-all-my-life/
