A Song Prayer

Lord Jesus,         Oh, ease us         Of Self that oppresses,         Annoys and distresses         Body and brain         With dull pain!         Thou never,         Since ever,         Save one moment only,         Wast left, or wast lonely:         We are alone,         And make moan.         Far parted,         Dull-hearted,         We wander, sleep-walking,         Mere shadows, dim-stalking:         Orphans we roam,         Far from home.         Oh new man,         Sole human,         God's son, and our brother,         Give each to the other--         No one left out         In cold doubt!         High Father,         Oh gather         Thy sons and thy daughters,         Through fires and through waters,         Home to the nest         Of thy breast!         There under         The wonder         Of great wings of healing,         Of love and revealing,         Teach us anew         To sing true.