George Matheson (1842 –1906)

O Thou divine Spirit that,
in all events of life,
art knocking at the door of my heart,
help me to respond to Thee.
I would not be driven blindly as the stars over their courses.
I would not be made to work out Thy will unwillingly,
to fulfil Thy law unintelligently,
to obey Thy mandates unsympathetically.
I would take the events of my life as good and perfect gifts from Thee;
I would receive even the sorrows of life as disguised gifts from Thee.
I would have my heart open at all times to receive Thee
- at morning, noon, and night;
- in spring summer, and winter.
Whether Thou comest to me in sunshine or in rain,
I would take Thee into my heart joyfully.
Thou art Thyself more than the sunshine,
Thou art Thyself compensation for the rain;
it is Thee and not Thy gifts I crave;
knock, and I shall open unto Thee.
Amen