Lessons
by Ann Gauger
One rule, seven gifts, three blessed fruits
Sure guides, companions sweet
Our nature made to suit
Silence
Blest school of saints, we plead
Teach stiff-necked not to trust
on human strength or need.
Piety
Without this gift we'd wander far
Not caring, blind and dumb
God's love becomes our star
Fear of the Lord
Not as it seems, but gift of awe
Creator's power and might
In reverence prostrate fall
Fortitude
Enduring to the end
Firm purpose, courage strong
Turn woes and trials to friend
Counsel
Surely, Lord, we've need of this
Teach stumbling feet the path
Sure guide to heaven's bliss
Knowledge
Light-filled gift teach us the way
To know our Father's will
keep true to it each day.
Understanding
Insight, Lord, into your heart
a glimpse of what you see
Can turn us, help us start.
Wisdom
Hard-won gift twice blest O Lord
Hard lesson won from trials,
This gift its own reward.
Peace
Souls ensnared by bonds of sin
Gain this through letting go
of all that is not Him.
Joy
On mercy's seat all hate we cast
And worries, greed, conceit,
Surrendering at last.
Love,
True longing, restless search, and thirst
Reminder of Desire
The One who sought us first
