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Father, I know that all my life
is portioned out for me;
The changes that are sure to come,
I do not fear to see;
I ask thee for a present mind
intent on pleasing thee.

I would not have the restless will
that hurries to and fro,
Seeking for some great thing to do
or secret thing to know;
I would be treated as a child,
and guided where I go.

I ask thee for the daily strength,
to none that ask denied,
A mind to blend with outward life
while keeping at thy side,
Content to fill a little space,
if thou be glorified.

In service which thy will appoints,
there are no bonds for me;
My secret heart is taught the truth
that makes thy children free:
A life of self-renouncing love
is one of liberty.

—Anna Waring, 1850