Lord, give me light to do Thy work,
For only, Lord, from Thee
Can come the light, by which these eyes
The way of work can see.

In plainest things I daily err,
When walking in the light
The wisdom of this world affords,
However fair and bright.

In word, and plan, and deed I err,
When busiest in Thy work;
Beneath the simplest forms of truth
The subtlest errors lurk.

The way is narrow, often dark,
With lights and shadows strewn;
I wander oft, and think it Thine,
When walking in my own.

Yet pleasant is the work for Thee,
And pleasant is the way;
But Lord, the world is dark, and I
All prone to go astray.

Oh, send me light to do Thy work!
More light, more wisdom give!
Then shall I work Thy work indeed,
While on Thine earth I live.

So shall success be mine, in spite
Of feebleness in me;
Beyond all disappointment then
And failure I shall be.

The work is Thine, not mine, O Lord;
It is Thy race we run;
Give light! and then shall all I do
Be well and truly done.