Father, I know that all my life

Is portioned out for me;

The changes that will surely come,

I do not fear to see:

I ask thee for a present mind,

Intent on pleasing thee.

2 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.

3 I would not have the restless will

That hurries to and fro,

That seeks for some great thing to do,

Or secret thing to know:

I would be treated as a child,

And guided where I go.

4 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.