Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By James WhitcombRiley

1146 Love’s Prayer

DEAR Lord! kind Lord!

Gracious Lord! I pray

Thou wilt look on all I love,

Tenderly to-day!

Weed their hearts of weariness;

Scatter every care,

Down a wake of angel wings

Winnowing the air.

Bring unto the sorrowing

All release from pain;

Let the lips of laughter

Overflow again;

And with all the needy

O divide, I pray,

This vast treasure of content

That is mine to-day!