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.