Questions & Answers
Who shall ascend into His holy hill, I heard; or who stand in His holy place? He with clean hands, and pure of heart, who still Hath not known vanity, deceit, finds grace! And I was troubled at this high demand, For sense imputed what was not in Mind: Could I, so weak and errant, hope to stand In that high tabernacle, God-enshrined? So far from perfect, sense-beclouded, I?— Grace infinite alone, in later age, Could make me truly fit. But Love said, Why? Can man, God's image, lose his heritage? Not time nor the accuser's claims have power, But unselfed love.
A shimmering light on a storm-spent sea, A star in the shadowy west; A silent prayer for humility, A turbulent heart at rest; O infinite Love, with Thy brooding calm And Thy wealth of grace divine, Freely Thou givest Thy healing balm, And peace, unmeasured, is mine!
I will rejoice and sing, for God looks down And smiles on me. What though the whole world frown? I will rejoice again, for God can see The humble heart of ceaseless prayer in me.
Dear Father-Mother God, one Lord, How all-inclusive is Thy unity! The distant stars, the undulating grain, The endless charm and rich variety That fill the universe, reflect but Thee; And safe within Thy perfect love and care Lie all the tender things we hold most dear! Thine is the one and only law— No power is there to thwart Thy holy will. "Tis but the phantom of a mortal dream Would tempt us to admit foreboding ill Or feel that we possess, aside from Thee.
God of all comfort, let me be So near to Thee That I may share with those who are distressed The knowledge of Thy love, to give them rest; And so Thy peace May dwell with them, and bring to grief surcease. But if the way should seem too long, Love brings a song To hearts which have forgotten how to praise Thy constant goodness, shown in wondrous ways, And so have seemed To be apart from Thee, as those who dreamed.
If we can give each day one healing thought To help alleviate another's pain, If we can ease another's load one jot, That day has not, by us, been lived in vain. If we can do each day one loving deed God-given, that will lift another's care; A helpful word to meet another's need, That day, for us, has been a day of prayer.
In vain we ask for growth while still unwilling To let that growth transform our mortal sense; To know each loss of earthborn pains and pleasures Is more than met by Love's sure recompense. True gold has never yet been harmed by fire, 'Tis thus its shining purity is won! He knows no loss who walks through joy or sorrow With this same humble prayer, "Thy will be done.
My soul doth magnify God's holy way— God giveth songs at night as in the day. My heart shall sing in gratitude and praise, In sweetest of joy my voice I'll raise.
Who says man cannot hear the voice of God! To-day He talked with me when all was still. He bade me cease from selfishness and ease, And humbly strive to do His gracious will.
Hold fast! The truth has been declared, Now stand; The Father-Mother God is close At hand. Be still, and rest in confidence Serene; Where you are now, Love evermore Has been.