Per Pacem ad Lucem by Adelaide A. Proctor

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Mar 11, 1913

Per Pacem ad Lucem

By Adelaide A. Proctor

I do not ask, O Lord, that life may be A pleasant road; I do not ask that Thou wouldst take from me Aught of its load;

I do not ask that flowers should always spring Beneath my feet; I know too well the poison and the sting Of things too sweet.

For one thing only, Lord, dear Lord, I plead; Lead me aright— Tho strength should falter, and tho heart should bleed— Through peace to light.

I do not ask, O Lord, that Thou shouldst shed Full radiance here; Give but a ray of light, that I may tread Without a fear.

I do not ask my cross to understand, My way to see; Better in darkness just to feel Thy hand, And follow Thee.

Joy is restless day; but peace divine Like quiet night; Lead me, O Lord, till perfect day shall shine, Through peace to light.

— Adelaide A. Proctor, in "Lutheran Observer."