Father, I know that all my life
Father, I know that all my life
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Father, I know that all my life is portioned out for me, And the changes that are sure to come I do not fear to see; But I ask Thee for a present mind intent on pleasing Thee. |
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I ask Thee for a thoughtful love, through constant watching wise, To meet the glad with joyful smiles, and to wipe the weeping eyes; And a heart at leisure from itself, to soothe and sympathize. |
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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. |
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Wherever in the world I am, in whatso’er estate, I have a fellowship with hearts to keep and cultivate; And a work of lowly love to do for the Lord on whom I wait. |
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So I ask Thee for the daily strength, to none that ask denied, And a mind to blend with outward life while keeping at Thy side; Content to fill a little space, if Thou be glorified. |
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And if some things I do not ask in my cup of blessing be, I would have my spirit filled the more with grateful love to Thee, More careful, not to serve Thee much, but to please Thee perfectly. |
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There are briers besetting every path that call for patient care; There is a cross in every lot, and an earnest need for prayer; But a lowly heart that leans on Thee is happy anywhere. |
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In a service which Thy will appoints there are no bonds for me; For my inmost heart is taught “the truth” that makes Thy children “free” And a life of self-renouncing love is a life of liberty. |
Very little is known about the author of this hymn, because of her remarkably retiring disposition. She was Anna Laetitia Waring, and was born in Neath, a town of South Wales, in 1820. In 1850 she published her "Hymns and Meditations," and in 1858 she published "Additional Hymns." It is believe that she was a Friend, and that her life was full of suffering and pain. Hymn #305 in the Chinese Hymnal is a translation of this hymn by Watchman Nee.
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Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
It’s a soul refreshing and assuring hymn that encourages one to wait on God no matter d situation. God help me wait on u always
Johns Island, SC, United States
This hymn speaks to one of the most difficult challenges in life generally and in this time specifically: to be still and wait on our Lord.
Macomb, MI, United States
Such a gift to write these words of promise and peace.
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
I wouldn’t have the restless will that hurries to and fro, seeking for some great thing to do or secret thing to know..... MAY ABBA HAVE MERCY! 🙏🏽
Livermore, CA, United States
Gorgeous song. I am so glad Allister Begg spoke of it. Suggested it to our pastor.
Centurion, GP, South Africa
Content to fill a little space, if Though be glorified ♥️ To God, only be all the glory
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
The phrase "a heart at leisure from itself" reminded me of a book by philosopher Josef Pieper. He wrote about true leisure, that it can only be experienced in worship.
Honolulu, United States
God of arrangement
Barcelona, Spain
"But a lowly heart that leans on Thee is happy anywhere"
Tema, Greater Accra, Ghana
I haven't come across this hymn for close to a decade and yet I found myself singing it in a dream this morning.
Such powerful words.
Amen