Teach me how to pray by Edith Starbuck

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Feb 9, 1915

Teach me how to pray

By Edith Starbuck

By EDITH STARBUCK

I know, my Father, that my feeble prayer Is powerless to change Thy holy will; Because I am the object of Thy care, And all that comes to me of good or ill Is what Thy wisdom sees for me is best; And in that calm assurance I can rest.

I cannot tell Thee of my deep desire. My prayer is halting, and my words are weak. The longings that consume me, as by fire, Are such as human tongue can never speak. So, bowing low before Thee day by day, I plead with tears, Lord, teach me how to pray.

And yet, translated by my Saviour's love, Each voiceless wish of mine to Thee is known. Presented in the glorious courts above, It wafts as incense up about Thy throne; And there I see, before the mercy seat, My lack, in Him made perfect and complete.

Let me but ask according to Thy will, And I my answer have before I speak; For echoing down through earth's long ages, still Thy promise is that they shall find who seek. By faith I feel my crimson sins forgiven, And taste on earth the holy joy of heaven.

Forever, Lord, Thy mercies shall endure. Thy thoughts toward me were alway thoughts of peace. Thy promises to me are ever sure, And speak to bid my faithless doubtings cease. Though human breath may blow cold and hot, My Father is the same. He changes not.

The change must be within my darkened soul; To Thee I throw the portals open wide. O, burn away the dross with altar coal, And let Thy Spirit enter and abide; And while I look to Thee, with sculptor's art, Engrave Thine image deep within my heart.