My soul, now that the cool of evening has come, pull away for a while and listen for the voice of your God. He is always ready to speak with you when you are prepared to hear. If there is any delay in communion, it is not on his side but entirely on yours—for he stands at the door and knocks, and if his people will only open, he rejoices to enter.

But what is the state of my heart, this garden that belongs to my Lord? Dare I hope it is well-trimmed and watered, bearing fruit worthy of him? If not, he will have much to reprove. Yet still I beg him to come, for nothing can so surely bring my heart into right condition as the presence of the Sun of Righteousness, who brings healing in his wings.

Come, therefore, O Lord my God! My soul invites you earnestly and waits for you eagerly. Come to me, Jesus, my well-beloved, and plant fresh flowers in my garden—such flowers as I see blooming in perfect beauty in your matchless character! Come, O my Father, the Husbandman, and work in me with your tenderness and wisdom! Come, Holy Spirit, and bedew my whole nature as the herbs are moistened with the evening dews.

O that God would speak to me! Speak, Lord, for your servant hears! O that he would walk with me! I am ready to give up my whole heart and mind to him—every other thought is hushed. I am only asking for what he delights to give. I am sure he will condescend to have fellowship with me, for he has given me his Holy Spirit to abide with me forever.

Sweet is the cool twilight, when every star seems like the eye of heaven, and the cool wind is as the breath of celestial love. My Father, my elder Brother, my sweet Comforter, speak now in lovingkindness, for you have opened my ear and I am not rebellious.