A father came to Jesus
with only one request.
"My daughter needs your help now.
They say that you are blest.
Come, Jesus, heal my daughter.
She lies so close to death.
Come, lay your hands upon her
while she has life and breath."

Before they reached the daughter,
a man came, bringing word:
"Why bother Jesus now, sir?
Your daughter died, we've heard."
The wails of weeping women
grew loud as they drew near,
but Jesus told the father,
"Believe and do not fear."

When Jesus saw the mourners,
he said, "Why do you weep?
She is not dead; believe me,
the child is but asleep!"
The mourners laughed, but Jesus
still took his friends inside.
The faithful parents followed
to see what would betide.

They watched the girl with wonder
as Jesus took her hand.
He said, "Dear child, get up now,"
and gently helped her stand.
Then Jesus warned the father,
"Tell no one that you meet;"
and asked the grateful mother
to bring her food to eat.

Dear God, when we are tempted
to doubt Love's mighty power,
give us the faith of Jairus
in every day and hour,
that, trusting in your promise
of everlasting care,
we all may lay before you
our deepest needs in prayer.