That it may be a candle flame
to light this time and place,
it dare not yearn to blaze the sky,
but glow with thankful grace.
That it may be a trusty bridge
to join the old to new
by city's roar, or hamlet shore,
dear God, please hold its timbers true.
That it may be a harbor snug,
a refuge from the storm,
let it not be a harbor smug
(content to shield its own from harm).
Whatever niche in time it fills,
in Your creation's tender plan,
help it to be brimmed with love—
that love wherewith You first loved man.
