Teach Me, Dear Father
Oh, teach me, dear Father, to patiently wait;
Your timing is never one moment too late.
You know all the questions - each "how?" and each "why?"
That with their persistence my heart often try.
Not one single part of my life is unplanned:
You hold every thread, precious Lord, in Your hand.
Lord, why does it seem that the areas You touch
Are the ones that are tender and hurt, oh, so much
Because they're entwined with deep longings so great
And heart-drawing happenings - and then You say "Wait"?
Lord, teach me Thy patience to see as I should
That somehow it all will work out for my good.
And, Lord, these longings must crucified be,
So keep Thou Thy loving arms close around me.
And may I not question, Thy way is the best;
'Tis only in Thee that my heart can have rest.
Each trial and test is because of Your love,
That I may grow more like my Father above.
So teach me, dear Father, to patiently wait:
I know that Your timing is never too late!
--Author Unknown; submitted by Amanda O. for HW Vol 46. She writes, "This poem spoke to
me so much -- the words are often how I feel, exactly! I hope it blesses you, too!"
Sit Still, My Daughter!
Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor deem these days -- these waiting days -- as ill!
The One who loves thee best, who plans thy way,
Hath not forgotten thy great need today!
And if He waits, 'tis sure He waits to prove
To thee, His tender child, His heart's deep love.
Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Thou longest much to know thy dear Lord's will!
While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way,
Corrodingly within, because of His delay --
Persuade thyself in simply faith to rest
That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.
Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
Nor move a step, not even one, until
His way hath opened. Then, ah then, how sweet!
How glad thy heart, and then how swift thy feet!
Thy inner being then, ah then, how strong!
And waiting days not counted then too long.
Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!
What higher service could? st thou for Him fill?
'Tis hard! Ah yes! But choicest things must cost!
For lack of losing all how much is lost!
'Tis hard, 'tis true! But then -- He giveth grace
To count the hardest spot the sweetest place.
~By J. Danson Smith; submitted by Jessica Lee D. for HW Vol. 46
God, Grant Me Thy Gift
God, widen my vision so I may see
the afflictions You have sent to me
Not as a cross to heavy to bear
that weighs me down in gloomy despair,
Not as something to hate and despise --
but a gift of love sent in disguise.
Something to draw me closer to You,
to teach me the patience and forbearance, too;
Something to show me more clearly the way
to serve You and love You more every day;
Something priceless and precious and rare
that will keep me forever safe in Thy care,
Aware of the spiritual strength that is mine,
if my selfish, small will is lost in Thine!
--By Helen Steiner Rice; Submitted by Jessica Lee D. of CA for HW, Vol. 46
A Prayer For Patience
Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee
In closer, dearer company;
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong;
In trust that triumphs over wrong;
In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future's broadening way;
In peace that only Thou cast give --
With Thee, O Master, let me live!
--By Washington Gladden; from HW, Vol. 46
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