HELP US, LORD, TO COUNT THE COST

Help us, Lord, to count the cost 
of things and people cast aside.
Help us, Lord, to hold them dear,
no matter what the common tide.
What we do with what we have
is part and parcel of our creed.
Let your spirit be our counsel,
guiding us in every deed.

Help us, Lord, to count the cost
of moving on to better things.
Help us, Lord, to honor vows
to home and child and simple things.
Every life is bound to others,
woven in your own design.
Help us not to tear the fabric
of a cloth that is divine.

Help us, Lord, to count the cost
of every life that you ordain.
Let us feel another's anguish,
let us know another's pain.
May we never take life lightly
at beginning or at end.
Give us wisdom and compassion.
Help us do what you intend.

Help us, Lord, to count the cost
of choices made with little thought.
Help us, Lord, to count the cost
of things that are too dearly bought.
If we falter in our choosing,
Lord, we know you love us still.
Set your seal upon us, help us
seek and find your perfect will.