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 whatsoe'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 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. 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.
  
7. 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.
  
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.