I Do Not Ask, O Lord (EN 800)

EN 800

I Do Not Ask, O Lord

Ps.31.3

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.

I do not ask, O Lord, that Thou shouldst shed

Full radiance here

Give but a ray of peace, that I may tread

Without a fear.

I do not ask my cross to understand,

My way to see;

Better in darkness just to feel Thy hand,

And follow Thee.

Joy is like restless day; but peace divine

Like quiet night:

Lead me, O Lord, till perfect day shall shine,

Through peace to light.