We ask for Peace,oh Lord!
Thy children ask Thy Peace;
Not what the world calls rest,That toil and care should cease,That through bright sunny hours Calm Life should fleet away,And tranquil night should fade In smiling day;-It is not for such Peace that we would pray.
We ask for Peace,oh Lord!
Yet not to stand secure,Girt round with iron Pride,Contented to endure:
Crushing the gentle strings That human hearts should know,Untouched by others'joy Or others'woe;-Thou,oh dear Lord,wilt never teach us so.
We ask Thy Peace,oh Lord!
Through storm,and fear,and strife,To light and guide us on,Through a long struggling life:
While no success or gain Shall cheer the desperate fight,Or nerve,what the world calls,Our wasted might:-Yet pressing through the darkness to the light.
It is Thine own,oh Lord,Who toil while others sleep;Who sow with loving care What other hands shall reap:
They lean on Thee entranced,In calm and perfect rest:
Give us that Peace,oh Lord,Divine and blest,Thou keepest for those hearts who love Thee best.