Scripture Verse

For Thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3

Introduction

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Adelaide A. Procter
1825–1864

Words: Ade­laide A. Proc­ter, Le­gends and Lyr­ics, a Book of Verse 1862.

Music: Oro­no Karl P. Har­ring­ton, 1905 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

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Karl P. Harrington (1861–1953)

Lyrics

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.