Lord, For Tomorrow and Its Needs

Lord, for tomorrow and its needs
I do not pray;
Keep me, my God, from stain of sin,
Just for today.

Let me both diligently work
And duly pray;
Let me be kind in word and deed,
Just for today.

Let me be slow to do my will,
Prompt to obey;
Help me to mortify my flesh,
Just for today.

Let me no wrong or idle word
Unthinking say;
Set Thou a seal upon my lips
Just for today.

And if today my tide of life
Should ebb away,
Give me Thy sacraments divine,
Sweet Lord, today.

In Purgatory's cleansing fire
Brief be my stay:
Oh bid me, if today I die
Go home today.

So for tomorrow and its needs
I do not pray;
But keep me, guide me, love me Lord
Just for today.

Sister Mary Exavier