A prayer - John Greenleaf Whittier

Last Sunday, Mrs. Lim Li Ching did the Bible Study on the parable "The Pharisee and the Publican." She has been doing a series on the parables.

I am reminded of a poem written by John Greenleaf Whittier, I want to make this my prayer.

Like the publican of old,
I can only urge the plea,
"Lord, be merciful to me!"
Nothing of desert I claim
Unto me belongeth shame.

Let the lowliest task be mine,
Grateful, so the work be Thine;
Let me find the humblest place
In the shadow of Thy grace;
Blest to me were any spot
Where temptation whispers not.
If there be some weaker one,
Give me strength to help him on;
If blinder soul there be,
Let me guide him nearer Thee.
Make my mortal dreams come true
With the work I fain would do;
Clothe with life the weak intent,
Let me be the thing I meant;
Let me find in Thy employ
Peace that dearer is than joy;
Out of self to love be led
And to Heaven acclimated,
Until all things sweet and good
Seem my natural habitude.