With what shall I buy oil—buy consecration,
Time set apart for loving, serving Thee?
I know. Discard all idle conversation;
And be not proud, my heart, nor fearful be.
Then will the lamp I bear cast its pure beam
For those who want to find Love's steady gleam.
With what shall I buy oil—buy charity,
A broad and tolerant love for all mankind?
I know. With willing patience help a friend;
Forgiving, if forgiveness I would find.
Then will the lamp I bear bestow the ray
Which guides the heart in search of lasting day.
With what shall I buy oil—buy gentleness,
That priceless thing that tempers stormy ways
And smooths the surging moments tense with friction?
I know. Allow Thy will to rule my days.
Then will the lamp I bear with brilliance shine
To show God's way is that of Life divine.
With what shall I buy oil—buy understanding,
The peace that Christ in truth bequeathed to all?
I know. Lift up my thought to Father-Mother,
And watch and wait to hear Love's answering call.
Then will the lamp I bear with radiance glow,
Showing man one with God. This all may know.
