I prayed for strength, and then I lost awhile, All sense of nearness, human and divine; The love I leaned on failed and pierced my heart, The hands I clung to loosed themselves from mine; But while I swayed, weak, trembling, and alone, The everlasting arms upheld my own.

I prayed for light; the sun went down in clouds, The moon was darkened by a misty doubt, The stars of heaven were dimmed by earthly fears, And all my little candle flames burned out; But while I sat in shadow, wrapped in night, The face of Christ made all the darkness bright.

I prayed for peace, and dreamed of restful ease, A slumber drugged from pain, a hushed repose; Above my head the skies were black with storm, And fiercer grew the onslaught of my foes; But while the battle raged, and wild winds blew, I heard His voice and perfect peace I knew.

I thank Thee, Lord, Thou wert too wise to heed, My feeble prayers, and answer as I sought, Since these rich gifts Thy bounty has bestowed, Have brought me more than all I asked or thought; Giver of good, so answer each request, With Thine own giving, better than my best.

─Annie Johnson Flint