The Threshold of Prayer

Father when first to You I pray
I shall not allow my mind to stray

With my first thoughts I shall say

" Hallowed be Your name."

I shall not ask for wealth or power,

Or for over other men to tower

But shall begin devotion's hour

With "Hallowed be Your name."

I first shall lift mine eyes above

To view the dwellings of Your love,

And my heart's lips shall speak thereof

"Hallowed be Your name."

I shall not pray for daily bread,

I shan't ask for straight paths to tread,

Till I have buried self and said,

" Hallowed be Your name."

Before I ask, I shall adore ; My gift of love shall go before,

And yield my heart while I implore

"Hallowed be Your name."

I shall before all else desire That Your great love may kindle fire

Which shall the sons of men inspire

To consecrate Your name.

I would postpone my human need

To seek Your praise in word and deed,

And to implore the years to speed

The hallowing of Your name.

So shall my morning act of prayer

Be no mere cry of want's despair.

There is no name that can compare

To the glory of your name.

Before I ask, I shall adore ; My gift of love shall go before,

And yield my heart while I implore

" Hallowed be Your name."

I shall before all else desire That Your great love may kindle fire

Which shall the sons of men inspire

To consecrate Your name.

" Hallowed be Your name."

Anthony Foster-based on a song by George Matheson

December 28, 2020