We ask for peace, O 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.

2 We ask for peace, O 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’ joys

Or others’ woe;

Thou, O dear Lord, wilt never teach us so.

3 We ask thy peace, O 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.

4 It is thine own, O 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, O Lord!

Divine and blest,

Thou keepest for those hearts who love thee best.