Lord, give me a spirit of prayer,
And wisdom to pray as I ought,
Endue me with patience to bear
Whatever may fall to my lot.
Lord, clothe me with patience and love,
And let me seem just what I am;
Descend, thou celestial dove,
And make me as mild as a lamb.
Lord help me to purge out the dross,
And cleanse me from all that is wrong,
That I may not shrink at the cross,
Which does to thy chosen belong.
Let praise and thanksgiving abound,
Which flow from my heart and my breath;
That I in the way may be found,
Which leads from the realms of death.
Let honesty, virtue and peace,
Be printed so deep in my heart,
That when earthly comforts shall cease,
My treasure shall never depart.
Let honesty, truth be my guide,
And may I be faithful and just;
With oneness in Jesus abide,
And share in the heavenly rest.
Make me to be simple and low,
And walk in humility's vale,
Where life, love and harmony flow,
And blessings that never will fail.
Thy presence, O God, I entreat,
My spirit completely resign:
Help me to be wise and discreet,
May love and submission be mine.
J. Curtis.
Worcester Co., Mass.