Thy will be done

Lucy Larcom (1824–1893)

ONLY silently resignedTo 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 feetThy triumphant coming meet?

Shall we say, "Thy will be done!"And on our own errands run?Vain and evil the designWe 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 TheeWorld-encircling sympathy.Ardor, strength, and courage give;As Thou livest, let us live!

Let our deeds be syllablesOf the prayer our spirit swells.In us Thy desire fulfil;By us work Thy gracious will!