Father Hear The Prayer We Offer

father, hear the prayer we offer:
not for ease that prayer shall be,
but for strength that we may ever
live our lives courageously.

not for ever in green pastures
do we ask our way to be;
but the steep and rugged pathway
may we tread rejoicingly.

not for ever by still waters
would we idly rest and stay;
but would smith the living fountains
from the rocks along our way.

be our strength in hours of weakness,
in our wanderings be our guide;
through endeavour, failure, danger,
father, be thou at our side.