Poems (Rice)/Lines suggested by the 124th Selection of Psalms

by Maria Theresa Rice

LINES SUGGESTED BY THE 124TH SELECTION OF PSALMS, FROM THE PRAYER-BOOK, SUNG AT ST. MARK'S CHURCH.

O THAT the power to me were given
 To sing as I would sing to-night
A song of praise, of love, of heaven;
 Such, only such, I'd sing and write;
But when I strike my lute, its strings
Weak and discordant music brings.

The fault is mine; full well I know
 'That I have wandered from His fold,
Where precious founts, where streamlets flow,
 And harps are waiting, strung with gold;
Then nearer, Father, to Thy throne,
The world and sin would I disown.

Beset whichever way we turn,
 By snares entangled everywhere,
O Father teach me now to spurn,
 Renouncing for a life of prayer;
And listen while my voice I raise
To sing Thy righteousness, Thy praise.

I ofttimes feel while standing there,
 My soul uplifted, 'mid the throng,
Responding low to chant or prayer,
 My heart again can ne'er go wrong,
When solemn words of rapture flow
From him, our pastor, guide below.

Then, Father, keep; give me the power,
 This night the strength, the strength I need,
That I in every trying hour
 In Thee may rest, to Thee may plead;
And keep me steadfast; hear my song,
My words which all to Thee belong.