Classic Poem

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;
And 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 my misty doubt,
The stars of heaven were dimmed by
And all my little candle flame burned out; earthly fears
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 art too kind to heed
My feeble prayers, and answer as I sought,
Since these rich gifts Thy bounty has bestowed
Have brought me more than I have asked or thought.
Giver of good, so answer each request
With Thine own giving, better than my best.