Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE PEACE OF GOD, by ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE PEACE OF GOD, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: We ask for peace, o lord!
Last Line: Thou keepest for those hearts who love thee best.
Alternate Author Name(s): Berwick, Mary
Subject(s): God; Life; Love; Peace; Pride; Self-esteem; Self-respect


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.

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' joy
Or others' woe; --
Thou, O dear Lord, wilt never teach us so.

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.

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.





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