Poems with Power to Strengthen the Soul Part 71

More things are wrought by prayer Than this world dreams of. Wherefore let thy voice Rise like a fountain for me night and day.

For what are men better than sheep or goats, That nourish a blind life within the brain, If, knowing G.o.d, they lift not hands of prayer, Both for themselves and those who call them friend.

For so the whole round earth is every way Bound by gold chains about the feet of G.o.d.

--Alfred Tennyson.

ENOCH

He walked with G.o.d, by faith, in solitude, At early dawn or tranquil eventide; In some lone leafy place he would abide Till his whole being was with G.o.d imbued.

He walked with G.o.d amid the mult.i.tude; No threats or smiles could his firm soul divide From that beloved presence at his side Whose still small voice silenced earth's noises rude.

Boldly abroad to men he testified How "the Lord cometh" and the judgment brings; Gently at home he trained his "sons and daughters"; Till, praying, a bright chariot he espied Sent to translate him, as on angels' wings, To walk with G.o.d beside heaven's "living waters."

--R. Wilton.

A WORKER'S PRAYER

Lord, speak to me, that I may speak In living echoes of thy tone; As thou hast sought, so let me seek Thy erring children, lost and lone.

Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach The precious things thou dost impart; And wing my words that they may reach The hidden depths of many a heart.

Oh, give thine own sweet rest to me, That I may speak with soothing power A word in season, as from thee, To weary ones in needful hour.

Oh, use me, Lord, use even me, Just as thou wilt, and when and where; Until thy blessed face I see, Thy rest, thy joy, thy glory share.

G.o.d answers prayer-- Answers always, everywhere, I may cast my anxious care, Burdens I could never bear, On the G.o.d who heareth prayer.

SUBMISSION AND REST

The camel, at the close of day Kneels down upon the sandy plain To have his burden lifted off And rest again.

My soul, thou too should to thy knees When daylight draweth to a close, And let thy Master lift the load And grant repose.

Else how couldst thou to-morrow meet, With all to-morrow's work to do, If thou thy burden all the night Dost carry through?

The camel kneels at break of day To have his guide replace his load; Then rises up anew to take The desert road.

So thou shouldst kneel at morning's dawn That G.o.d may give thee daily care; a.s.sured that he no load too great Will make thee bear.

TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY

Take time to be holy; Speak oft with thy Lord; Abide in him always, And feed on his word; Make friends of G.o.d's children, Help those who are weak, Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy; The world rushes on; Spend much time in secret With Jesus alone; By looking at Jesus Like him thou shalt be; Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy; Let him be thy Guide, And run not before him Whatever betide; In joy or in sorrow Still follow thy Lord, And, looking to Jesus, Still trust in his word.

Take time to be holy; Be calm in thy soul; Each thought and each motive Beneath his control; Thus led by his Spirit To fountains of love, Thou soon shalt be fitted For service above.

--W. D. Longstaff.

PRAYER FOR STRENGTH

Father, before thy footstool kneeling, Once more my heart goes up to thee, For aid, for strength, to thee appealing, Thou who alone canst succor me.

Hear me! for heart and flesh are failing, My spirit yielding in the strife; And anguish wild as unavailing Sweeps in a flood across my life.

Help me to stem the tide of sorrow; Help me to bear thy chastening rod; Give me endurance; let me borrow Strength from thy promise, O my G.o.d!

Not mine the grief which words may lighten; Not mine the tears of common woes; The pang with which my heart-strings tighten Only the All-seeing One may know.

And I am weak, my feeble spirit Shrinks from life's task in wild dismay; Yet not that thou that task wouldst spare it, My Father, do I dare to pray.

Into my soul thy might infusing, Strengthening my spirit by thine own; Help me, all other aid refusing, To cling to thee, and thee alone.

And O in my exceeding weakness Make thy strength perfect; thou art strong: Aid me to do thy will with meekness, Thou to whom all my powers belong.

O let me feel that thou art near me; Close to thy side, I shall not fear; Hear me, O Strength of Israel, hear me, Sustain and aid! in mercy hear.

LIGHT

Lord, send thy light, Not only in the darkest night, But in the shadowy, dim twilight, Wherein my strained and aching sight Can scarce distinguish wrong from right, Then send thy light.

Teach me to pray.

Not only in the morning gray, Or when the moonbeam's silver ray Falls on me, but at high noonday, When pleasure beckons me away, Teach me to pray.

--Constance Milman.

OUR BURDEN BEARER

The little sharp vexations And the briars that cut the feet, Why not take all to the Helper Who has never failed us yet?

Tell him about the heartache, And tell him the longings too, Tell him the baffled purpose When we scarce know what to do.

Then, leaving all our weakness With the One divinely strong, Forget that we bore the burden And carry away the song.

--Phillips Brooks.

My proud foe at my hands to take no boon will choose.

Thy prayers are that one gift which he cannot refuse.

--Richard Chenevix Trench.