Poems (Coolidge)/"Let us Pray"

by Helen Elizabeth Coolidge

"LET US PRAY"

In silence that the soul can feel
Before thee, contrite, now we kneel,
The silence enter, Christ!—abide,
And let us feel thee at our side
  The while we say
  "Now let us pray."

Beyond all human ken thy peace
Oh, may it bid all tumult cease,
And fill the souls that are thine own,
The souls thy love did once atone,
  The while we say,
  "Now let us pray."

When comes the silence naught may break,
No trustful child shalt thou forsake;
Love shall illume the valley dim,
Each parting soul triumphant hymn
  And prayer be praise
  Through endless days.