Needed Blessings

We ask not that our path be always bright, 
But for thy aid to walk therein aright; 
That Thou, O Lord, through all its devious way, 
Wilt give us strength sufficient to our day, 
               For this, for this we pray.

Not for the fleeting joys that earth bestows, 
Not for exemption from its many woes; 
But that, come joy or woe, come good or ill, 
With childlike faith we trust thy guidance still, 
               And do thy holy will.

Teach us, dear Lord, to find the latent good 
That sorrow yields, when rightly understood; 
And for the frequent joy that crowns our days, 
Help us with grateful hearts our hymns to raise, 
               Of thankfulness and praise.

Thou knowest all our needs, and wilt supply; 
No veil of darkness hides us from thine eye, 
Nor vainly, from the depths, on Thee we call; 
Thy tender love, that breaks the tempter's thrall, 
               Folds and encircles all.

Through sorrow and through loss, by toil and prayer, 
Saints won the starry crowns which now they wear; 
And by the bitter ministry of pain, 
Grievous and harsh, but O, not sent in vain, 
               Found their eternal gain.

If it be ours, like them, to suffer loss, 
Give grace, as unto them, to bear our cross, 
Till, victors over the besetting sin, 
We, too, thy perfect peace shall enter in, 
               And crowns of glory win.