A Prayer For Resignation

Written on the bed of sickness.
 

Father Almighty, hear!
   O, let not vain repining fill my heart;
Teach me in grief or joy to turn to Thee,
   Bid gloomy fear and anxious care depart.

Oh! if it be thy will,
   That suffering I should yet farther know,
Strengthen my soul, so that I murmur not,
   Let me in meekness to thy chast'ning bow.

How many a weary day,
   When bent in anguish, have I wept and prayed,
And Thou hast heart and granted me relief,
   For they who week will ever find thy aid.

Then will I still in faith,
   Turn unto thee in every wo and weal;
For Thou, kind Father, will not close thy ear,
   When the bruised spirit shall to thee appeal.

Celia Levitas