Lead, Kindly Light

I must remember –

Pray with my hands open

Not with them folded,

Not holding on to my will.

Not facing down,

Not closed to what may come.

But palms open to heaven,

Ready to let go,

Ready to receive.

The Lord giveth

and the Lord taketh away

In times of plenty

In times of want

In times of love

In times of doubt

In times of much uncertainty

His name shall still be praised.

The Lord is good,

His love never fails.

He is slow to anger,

Abounding in love.

He gives good gifts–

do I trust enough to receive?

He takes charge of our days–

do I have faith to believe?

With loose hands I come

Bearing a weighty heart

I take all my cares

my doubts

my fears

my hopes

and hold them out

in my loose hands –

And trust You will take them

out of my hands

and replace them

with Yours.