The Church Hymnal ‎#550

550. Father, I know that all my life

1 Father, I know that all my life
Is portioned out for me;
And the changes that are sure to come,
I do not fear to see:
But I ask Thee for a present mind,
Intent on pleasing Thee.

2 I ask Thee for a thoughtful love
Through constant watching wise,
To meet the glad with joyful smiles
And to wipe the weeping eyes;
And a heart at leisure from itself
To soothe and sympathize.

3 I would not have the restless will
That hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do,
Or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child,
And guided where I go.

4 Wherever in the world I am,
In whatsoe'er estate,
I have a fellowship with hearts
To keep and cultivate;
And a work of lowly love to do
For the Lord on whom I wait.

5 So I ask Thee for the daily strength,
To none that ask denied,
And a mind to blend with outward life,
While keeping at Thy side;
Content to fill a little space,
If Thou be glorified.

6 In a service which Thy will appoints
There are no bonds for me;
For my inmost heart is taught the truth
That makes Thy children free;
And a life of self-renouncing love
Is a life of liberty.

Text Information

• First Line: Father, I know that all my life
• Author: A. L. Waring
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1920
• Topic: General: Home and Personal Use

Tune Information

• Name: SLINGSBY
• Composer: J. B. Dykes
• Meter: 8.6.8.6.8.6.
• Key: E♭ Major