Hand in Hand, a Child and I

Dear Lord, I do not ask
That Thou shoudst give me some high work of Thine,
Some noble calling or some wondrous task;
Give me a little hand to hold in mine;
Give me a little child to point the way
Over the strange sweet path that leads to Thee;
Give me a little voice to teach to pray;
Give me two shining eyes Thy face to see.
The only crown I ask, dear Lord, to wear
Is this- that I may teach a little child.
I do not ask that I should ever stand
Among the wise, the worthy, or the great;
I only ask that softly, hand in hand,
A child and I may enter at Thy gate.

—Author Unknown