THE PRAYER OF LOVE by National Baptist

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Nov 13, 1879

THE PRAYER OF LOVE.

By National Baptist

"Perfect love casteth out fear."

Is it for me, dear Lord, to pray That thou wilt love me day by day? When was the time thou lov'dst not me? When, in the long eternity?

Thou canst not more, thy heart is full; Thou canst not less, All-Merciful; What shall I ask then, if I must? Nay, Father, nay, just let me trust!

Aye, love! Thou canst not more nor less; Thy fullness meets my neediness; Thy thought, forerunning every care, Anticipates the troubled prayer!

I know not, in such peace I rest. I would, like John, lean on thy breast, And not so much seek else above, As simply listen, lean, and love.

I'll tell thee, though, my little needs, My foolish faults, my sinful greeds, Yet, O my Lord, all murmurings still, And let me only will thy will.

So this I ask, dear Christ, that I May simply on thy grace rely, And be soul-filled with love of thee Now and henceforth, eternally.

I ask not cross, crown, grief, or glee; I choose all these to leave with thee; Repentance give, wash out my sin, And let me just love thee. Amen.

—National Baptist.