Saturday's Prayer, Simply Simple

SIMPLE GIFTS

Traditional Shaker Hymn

'Tis the gift to be simple
'Tis the gift to be free
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
and when we find ourselves in the place just right
'twill be in the valley of love and delight.

Refrain

When true simplicity is gained,

to bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed,
to turn, turn will be our delight
'til by turning, turning we come round right.

'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,

'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,

And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,

Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,

Refrain:

'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,

'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",

And when we hear what others really think and really feel,

Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.

refrain:

Simple Gifts was written by Shaker Elder Joseph Brackett, Jr. in 1848. It was first published in The Gift to be Simple: Shaker Rituals and Songs. Simple Gifts was a work song sung by the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing (more commonly called the Shakers, an offshoot of the Quakers).

The photo is of Pleasant Hill Shaker Community, Kentucky at National Geographic. There are some more photos if you wish to see them. This was one of my favorite places to go while in Seminary.