Questions & Answers
Lift up my head above the mists that rise from earth, So that my eyes, no longer shaded by the dark, May see the light that ever shines above. Encircle me with walls of mercy, truth, and love, That perfect sphere wherein true liberty is found— A sure protection from the shafts of ill.
Not in the whirlwind was the voice divine That called Elijah to more radiant light; Not in the flame, nor in the seeming might Of earthquake, striving vainly to define Deific power. Fearless and firm he stood, Ready to bow the head—to make his choice, Firm in the faith of everlasting good— Waiting with fervent heart the "still small voice.
At times the path is lonely, dark, and drear; With faltering feet the upward way we wend; Afar off seems the journey's longed-for end, Through mists of doubt, discouragement, and fear; When, like a song, there come these words of cheer, Of positive assurance: Lo, I send Before thee always angels to attend Thy every step—behold their presence near! And comforted and strengthened, then we take A heartier hold on Truth, the path pursue With firmer tread, each steep ascent to make For gain of clearer views, each one more true, A promise of that perfect one to be: Love's allness known—all life, O God, in Thee!
The spring has come; and everywhere The scent of lilacs fills the air. O doubting heart, gaze on this bloom Brought forth from winter's icy tomb, And know the Father's loving care Is with His children everywhere.
Dear God, how close around us all Thy tender mercies move, How measureless the river flows Of Thy unchanging love. If all the thirsty lips of men Were lifted to the brim, Thy love would satisfy the wants Of every one of them!
Dear God, one yearning lovely thought I pray,— I whisper it,—that day by day The Christ in consciousness may clearer grow Until I see Thee face to face and know My prayer is answered; for the peace Of Love's tranquillity brings surcease From all life's woes, and Truth triumphant shows, As shadows, mankind's mortal foes. The shadows darkly veiled my erring sight; I groped among them, seeking light.
Let me wash my deeds and my thinking clean, Free from the soil of self; Let me cleanse my heart from the taint of sin, From the greed for power and pelf; And so, dear God, let me take Thy hand And walk with Thee to-day— Let me walk in the light of Thy loving face All the happy, holy way.
A host of yellow lilies, growing there, Shone out so eagerly and spoke to me Of selflessness in such bright purity And freshness, that I greatly longed to share Their dear simplicity of beauty fair; I wished I might become a letting-be Of God, like them, a glad transparency For all God is. Desire like this is prayer.
May I live close to Thee, O God! So close that I may hear Thy voice Through error's din, And then, whatever may befall, Rejoice. May I live close to Thee, O God! So close that I may help extend To those in need, The sinful and the sorrowing Befriend.
The Mary of the Gospel days, With tear-filled eyes and aching heart, Looked down into the sepulcher To seek her Lord, and found him not. Then turning hopelessly away She hardly saw the figure near, Nor recognized the voice that spoke, Until her name was gently called In those sweet tones she knew so well.