Take me often from the tumult of things into Thy presence. There show me what I am, and what Thou hast purposed me to be. Then hide me from Thy tears.

O King and Savior, what is Thy gift to me? And do I use it to Thy pleasing?

Now we must praise the guardian of heaven, the might of the Lord and His purpose of mind, the glorious all Father, for He, God eternal, is kind.

Christ, You are the Truth; You are the light.

You are the Keeper of the treasure we seek so blindly.

Dear Lord, You alone know what my soul truly desires, and You along can satisfy those desires.

I have prepared a place for you, says the Lord, a place that is for you, and only you, to fill. Approach My table, asking first that you might serve. Look even for the lowest tasks. Then, the work of service done, you may look for your own place at table. But do not seek the most important seat which may be reserved for someone else. In the place of My appointing will be your joy.

Lord, show me the right seat; find me the fitting task; give me the willing heart.

May I be equal to Your hope of me. If I am weak, I ask that You send only what I can bear. If I am strong, may I shrink from no testing that shall yield increase of strength or win security for my spirit.

I trust in Thee, O Lord. I say, ‘Thou art my God. My times are in Thy hand, my times are in Thy hand.’

Amen.

Rejoicing in the journey - Bethany Stedman

Photograph by Beth Stedman