I heard it first when attending a missionary conference in Belfast. Elizabeth Elliot was the keynote speaker, and before one of the talks we sang this beautiful prayer and I fell in love with it instantly. It came to mind today as I was working and praying.

May the mind of Christ my Saviour

Live in me from day to day,

By His love and power controlling

All I do and say.

May the word of God dwell richly

In my heart from hour to hour,

So that all may see I triumph

Only by His power.

May the peace of God my Father

Rule my life in everything,

That I may be calm to comfort

Sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me

As the waters fill the sea;

Him exalting, self abasing:

This is victory.

May I run the race before me,

Strong and brave to face the foe,

Looking only unto Jesus

As I onward go.

May His beauty rest upon me

As I seek the lost to win,

And may they forget the channel,

Seeing only Him.

–Katie Barclay Wilkinson

These days, I wish I could churn out the intelligent, coherent, beautiful, inspiring words that other people are producing. Maybe I’m not working hard enough, not being a good enough steward of the gift of words.  Most of my words right now seem to come out in prayer form, and in songs, talking to God. I speak and sing for an audience of one. I plead for His character to become mine. I have no fancy, impressive words to ask for this, but somehow I know He doesn’t mind.