let me love, and not be respected;
let me serve, and not be rewarded;
let me labour, and not be remembered;
let me suffer, and not be regarded.
'tis the pouring, not the drinking,
'tis the breaking, not the keeping;
a life suffering to seek others' blessing,
a life loving and true comfort giving.
not expecting pity or concern,
not accepting solace and applause;
even lonely, even forgotten,
even wordless, even forsaken.
tears and blood, my price for the righteous crown shall be.
losing all, my cost for a faithful pilgrim's life.
'twas the life, o Lord, that You chose to live
in those days when on earth You trod.
let me suffer all injuries and loss
so that all might draw near and repose.
i cannot see how much further i shall go,
still i press on knowing there is no return.
let me follow your pattern so perfect and true -
bearing ingratitude without complaint.
in this time of trial, o my Lord i pray,
that You'd wipe every hidden tear away.
let me learn, o Lord, You are my reward.
let me be others' blessings all my days.