My Task

I do not ask for mighty words

To leave the crowd impressed,

But grant my life may ring so true

My neighbor shall be blessed.

I do not ask for influence

To sway the multitude;

Give me a “word in season,” for

The soul in solitude.

I do not ask to win the great–

(God grant they may be saved!)–

Give me the broken sinner, Lord,

By Satan long enslaved.

Though words of wisdom and of power

Rise easily to some,

Give me a simple message, Lord,

That bids the sinner come.

A group of boys and girls may be

My God-appointed task;

Help me to lead each one to Thee–

What greater could I ask?

I ask no place of prominence

Where all the world can see,

But in some needy corner, Lord,

There let me work for Thee.

No task too great, not task too small,

Sufficient is Thy grace;

The darkened heart of my mission field,

My light, the Saviour’s face.

By Barbara C. Ryberg