Perpetual Incense
L
ORD, may my life be thus:
A perpetual incense lifting up to thee.
As a flame lifts from a lamp at evening time,
Setting a clear light free,
So may the fragrance from some helpful word
That I may speak, lift skyward, and each deed
That blesses a worn traveler on his way
Be a sweet scent, indeed:
A perpetual incense, Lord,
Not that of one crushed flower beneath the feet,
But ever, always lifting up to thee
A fragrance, clean and sweet,
From a life that is thy gracious gift to me.
I would not fail thee, Lord. Help me return
A lasting fragrance for thy gift, through this
Lit incense that I burn.
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