Father! I bow with thankful heart this day To Thee. O wilt Thou hear my prayer? Far from the tumult of the world away, I feel, O God, Thy presence everywhere! The very stillness breathes Thy name, Awakening a purer flame Of sacred love within my inmost heart; Bidding distrust and doubting fears depart; Whispering, "Peace be still." Give me, my Father, more of trusting love In Thee, Thou ruler of all things beneath, above! Help me to do Thy will!
Father! I ask not fleeting wealth or power, Nor heartless worldly fame I seek; But in the stillness of this vesper hour, Clinging to Thee, I fain would speak Sweet words of gratitude and praise For Thy all-holy, wondrous ways. Though wrapt in mystery oft they seem, Thy. smile through every cloud doth gleam, Lighting the darkest night. Though all forsake, Thou art a refuge sweet, A light to guide our weary, erring feet To joys earth cannot blight.
I humbly ask that virtue's shielding wing Be ever o'er my pathway spread; That I to truth and purity may cling, And be by wisdom's precepts led. May envious hatred never stain My heart; but generous love again Waken a sympathetic tear for others' grief, Prompting self-sacrifice to give relief To those with want oppressed; Thus reaping joy, contentment, love and peace, The richest harvest of terrestrial bliss, And Heaven's eternal rest.
