A Prayer and Its Answer

A PRAYER AND ITS ANSWER. (For the Improvement Era.) Alwise and gracious Father, Once more, in Jesus' name, I ask thee to forgive me And take away my shame. How often have I promised To put my sins away; Yet, kind and loving Father, I've sinned again today. My heart is filled with sorrovv; My life is stained with sin; . Is there no hope to cheer me, That some day I may win? Or is my fate uncertain With no assurance giv'n, That I may conquer Satan, And gain a crown in heav'n? Sometimes, kind, loving Parent, When hope and faith are strong, I fight life's battles bravely And sing the victor's song; At other times, 0 Father, I fail to comprehend, Until the arch deceiver Accomplishes his end. I do not ask thee. Father, To stay the tempter's hand; For I would be no weakling, Afraid to meet his band ; Mesa, Arizona. But what I ask, dear Father, Is strength to be a man, That I may know his power And thwart his cunning plan. x- * * * "Oh son," the Spirit whispers, "Thy pray'r hath not been vain; Now listen to thine answer, For I will make it plain: The power that thou desirest And more, when understood. Hath been bestowed upon thee; 'Tis found in thy priesthood. ' 'Thou must not treat it lightly; For thus it grieveth me, That Satan and his angels Should bind and fetter thee; And so become thy masters, While thou art but a slave; Although the priesthood's with thee, Thou hast no pow'r to save. "But great shall be thy kingdom, In realms thy God shall name, Exalting thee to glory, From whence the spirit came; If thou wilt bear thy priesthood, In honor to my Son! To thee shall be the vict'ry, When this life's race is run." M. A. Stewart