Joanna Savery was remembered in our ministry at or November 8 Meeting for Worship. Many of us recall the ability of Joanna to stand and settle a Worship’s ministry with her spiritual poetry. The poem below was brought forward by Carol, her daughter, into our Zoom worship this past Sunday.

A PRAYER FOR ALL WHO WOULD SERVE

Lord, keep us humble, in Thy holy power.
Remind us that we need Thee every hour.
If we would serve at Thy behest
Then we must not forget Thee, lest

Our work should wither e’re it comes to flower.
To keep thy spirit central is our mission
Wherever we may serve; not let tradition
Nor hope of worldly fame,
Nor any fear of loss or blame

Divert us from Thy way to false ambition.
Man’s immunity to man is rife.
The world is wracked with pain and loss of life
Lord, show us how our faith in Thee
Can turn our hearts so we can see

What Thou wouldst have us do to ease such strife.
The path of faith in Thee seems hard to follow.
Yet wherever Thou art missing, life is hollow.
But our commitment to Thy will
Can still with love the dream fulfill!

Lord, guide us lest in selfish fear we wallow.
At times it helps to follow ways made clear
By footsteps bravely trod in yesteryear.
But now our steps must flame anew
And let Thy Light flood shining through!

‘Twould blaze a trail of love to span the sphere.
Lord, grant us courage, patience, strength to cope
And vision to enlarge our wisdom’s scope.
We pray that Thou shalt walk beside us,
Clasp our hand in Thine and guide us.
We’re not alone! Thou art our life and hope.

By Joanna Ballou Savery