i would learn this greatest skill.

this great skill of interceeding,

praying for others the father’s will!

here i stand, job’s bound apprentice.

teach me how to intercede,

power with god, i’d have for others,

take to god their deepest needs!

teach me, then, this supplication,

this great heart of prayer unveil.

use me, lord, for the sake of others.

might i long with thee prevail!

teach me, lord, this intercession,

this great heart of love unseal,

that would take the time for others,

who their burdens would reveal!

guilds on earth, i care not for them,

but an ear in heaven’s court,

intercede for the needs of others,

in the presence of my lord!

may i enter thine audience chamber,

not on some mere moment’s spur.

take a moment in reflection,

knowing heaven’s ear is sure!

may i, lord, be thus apprenticed,

pray as job, for all my friends,

that their lives may count for you, lord,

might achieve thine highest ends!

not to pray and get done faster,

rather spend sweetest hour there.

for apprenticed to such a master,

may i learn this art of prayer!

for the word says, “come ye boldly,

now before the throne of grace.

ever may i be apprenticed,

thus before the father’s face!