Lucy Larcom

Thy Will Be Done

ONLY silently resigned
To the counsels of Thy mind;
Willing, yet rejoicing not,
That Thy purpose shall be wrought —

Is this truly to submit?
Folding placid hands, to sit,
While innumerable feet
Thy triumphant coming meet?

Shall we say, "Thy will be done!"
And on our own errands run?
Vain and evil the design,
We pursue, apart from Thine.

Teach us how to live this prayer;
Reverently Thy plans to share!
More than echoes of Thy voice,
Make us partners in Thy choice!

Lift us up to catch from Thee
World-encircling sympathy:
Ardor, strength, and courage give;
As Thou livest, let us live!

Let our deeds be Syllables
Of the prayer our spirit swells:
In us Thy desire fulfill!
By us work Thy gracious will!