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A PRAYER FOR LIGHT

Father! our eyes are blind; we cannot see,
Though earnestly we seek, the path to Thee!

Through the blank darkness vainly do we grope,
And see no kindly light, no ray of hope!

Long, long the night has lasted: will the day
Never arise and chase the clouds away?

Father! our ears are deaf; we cannot hear
Even though a voice of doom is sounding near:

Fain would we hear its message—but in vain
Wt strive to catch the thunder-spoken strain:

Must we be deaf for ever; never hear
Thy voice proclaiming that relief is near?

Father! our tongues are tied; we cannot speak
Our heart-felt yearnings, howsoe'er we seek.

Our throats swell with the words we fain would say;
In murmurs hoarse and thick they die away.

When will our dumb and dark despair be o'er,
And like a rushing stream our fervent pray'rs outpour?

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