James Montgomery

Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom.

Almighty God, in humble prayer,

To Thee our souls we lift,

Do Thou our waiting minds prepare

For Thy most needful gift.

We ask not golden streams of wealth,

Along our path to flow,

We ask not undecaying health,

Nor length of years below.

We ask not honours which an hour

May bring or take away;

We ask not pleasure, pomp, or power,

Lest we should go astray.

We ask for wisdom: -- Lord, impart

The knowledge how to live;

A wise and understanding heart

To all before Thee give.

For we, like children, born in sin

Know not till Thou hast taught,

How to go out, or how come in,

By word, or deed, or thought.

The young remember Thee in youth,

Before the evil days;

The old be guided by Thy truth

In Wisdom's pleasant ways.