Father, I know that all my life

Father, I know that all my life

Is portioned out for me;

The changes that are sure to 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,

To 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,

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 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.

In service which Thy will appoints

There are no bonds for me;

My secret heart is taught the truth

That makes Thy children free;

A life of self-renouncing love

Is one of liberty.