Understanding

F. Mildred Rickman

Give me, O Lord, an understanding heart!
Not always have I gladly raised this prayer:
For I have longed for trifles light as air,
For things of earth, of music, or of art,
And oftentimes have sought the gift of song,
Or eloquence in speech; in ancient lore
Would knowledge have, or far-off lands explore,
And cities where the mighty numbers throng.

But now I pray to do Thy will, O Lord,
In showing love to those who are in need;
To honor Truth in thought and word and deed,
And demonstrate the power of Thy Word.
I pray to realize omnipotence,
To see Thee always as the only power,
Infinite good, in every place and hour,
And error nothing but a vain pretense.
Reflecting Thee, I seek to do my part—
Give me, O Lord, an understanding heart.