My Feeble Shoots

Thou who didst hang upon a barren tree, 

My God, for me; 

Though I till now be barren, now at length, 

Lord, give me strength 

To bring forth fruit to Thee. 

Thou who didst bear for me the crown of thorn, 

Spitting and scorn; 

Though I till now have put forth thorns, yet now 

Strengthen me Thou 

That better fruit be borne. 

Thou Rose of Sharon, Cedar of broad roots 

Vine of sweet fruits, 

Thou Lily of the vale with fadeless leaf, 

Of thousands Chief, 

Feed Thou My feeble shoots. 

(a prayer of Christina Rossetti; photo by MarillaLina via pixabay.com)