Prayer

“Thy will be done” our lips are trained to saying;
“My will be done” our urgent hearts implore;
But while we look for Heaven to crown each praying
God’s”No” has crushed us. - We will pray no more.

We’re slow to learn that we have asked insanely;
Misread the text, and so reversed the spell
Of benediction, meant for all; not mainly
That “I” and “mine” may in its affluence dwell.

That we must loose the idols we are holding,
Ere we can rightly lift our hands in prayer;
Though life go with them and our arms unfolding
That dear embrace, deep, her self[??] with despair.

When, swooning downward prone before God’s altar
Our eyes close blindly and we think all’s done
An arm uplifts us - and our steps that falter
Are guided forth and lo! a day begins!

With morning brightness all the East is burning,
Although but now we deemed the daylight dead,
And, up the rugged steeps our way discerning
We ask for guidance, and for daily bread.

Not bread alone, but all good gifts bestowing,
God’s angel sends us strengthened on our way;
With sacrificial wine life’s cup o’erflowing,
And palms kept clean from idols;
          Let us pray.