March 6

“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.”

A. A. PROCTER