Things Needful

Thou Eternal Source,

Author of all created being and happiness
   I adore you for making man capable of faith,
   that he may be taught to say:
      "Where is God, my Maker, who gives
         songs in the night?"
But depravity has spread over our human race,
   turning glory into shame,
   making us forgetful of you.
We know it is your power alone
   that can recall wandering children,
   can impress on them a sense of divine things,
   and can render that sense lasting and effectual;
From you proceed all good purposes and desires

   and the spreading of holiness and happiness.

You have knowledge of my soul's secret ways,
   and are aware of my desire to spread the gospel.
Make me an philanthropist to give your
   bounties to the impoverished,
   comfort to the mentally ill,
   restoration to the sin-diseased,
   hope to the despairing,
   joy to the sorrowing,
   love to the prodigals.
Blow away the ashes of unbelief by your Spirit's breath
   and give me light, fire, and warmth of love.
I need spiritual comforts
   that are gentle, peaceful, mild, refreshing,
   that will melt me into conscious lowliness before you,
   that will make me feel and rest in you
      as my All.

Fill the garden of my soul with the wind of love,
   that the aroma of the Christian life may be
      wafted to others;
   then come and gather fruits to thy glory.
So shall I fulfil the great end of my being -
   to glorify you and be a blessing to men.