1 Father, I know that all my life is portioned out for me,
  And the changes that are sure to come I do not fear to see;
  But 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 to wipe the weeping eyes;
  And a heart at leisure from itself, to soothe and sympathize.
  
3 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.
  
4 Wherever in the world I am, in whatso'er estate,
  I have a fellowship with hearts to keep and cultivate;
  And a work of lowly love to do for the Lord on whom I wait.
  
5 So I ask Thee for the daily strength, to none that ask denied,
  And a mind to blend with outward life while keeping at Thy side;
  Content to fill a little space, if Thou be glorified.
  
6 And if some things I do not ask in my cup of blessing be,
  I would have my spirit filled the more with grateful love to Thee,
  More careful, not to serve Thee much, but to please Thee perfectly.
  
7 There are briers besetting every path that call for patient care;
  There is a cross in every lot, and an earnest need for prayer;
  But a lowly heart that leans on Thee is happy anywhere.
  
8 In a service which Thy will appoints there are no bonds for me;
  For my inmost heart is taught "the truth" that makes Thy children "free"
  And a life of self��renouncing love is a life of liberty.