I do not ask, O Lord, that life may be
A pleasant road;
I do not ask that Thou wouldst take from me
Aught of its load.
I do not ask that flowers should always spring
Beneath my feet;
I know too well the poison and the sting
Of things too sweet.
For one thing, only Lord, dear Lord, I plead:
Lead me aright,
Though strength should falter and though heart should bleed,
Through peace to light.
Joy is like restless day; but peace divine
Like quiet night:
Lead me, O Lord, till perfect day shall shine,
Through peace to light.
About the writer: Adelaide Anne Proctor was born in London in 1825 and died there in 1864. Her hymns were published in her book Legends and Lyrics, 1858. In 1851 she became a member of the Roman Catholic Church. She was highly regarded for her skills as a linguist.
Key Verse: You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this peril. –Psalm 31:3