A FRIEND
In the hour of greatest need when life seems hard to understand,
God sends His healing in the comfort of another's hand.
A friend, through whom we find the strength to carry on,
A fellow-traveller on the pilgrim path that leads us to His Son.
Experience teaches us to use our sorrow and our pain,
To offer it to God, receive it back, and thereby gain
His healing touch to pass to other sufferers in their turn,
To quietly understand and offer peace for which the other yearns.
To those who love Him, God's assurance comes to bless.
He will not chide, but welcomes us with joy and gentleness
Into the fellowship of His great family on earth,
Where tolerance of one another's failings strengthens us and proves our worth.
So let me be as great a comforter to others in their need
As loved ones are to me when doubt persists and worry feeds
Upon despair. Teach me to pray for strength to do my part.
Give me His loving-kindness overflowing from my heart.