Darkness Turns to Light

We do not know what we ought to pray for.
            Romans 8:26

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;
But 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 a misty doubt,
The stars of heaven were dimmed by earthly fears,
   And all my little candle flames burned out;
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 free from pain, a hushed repose;
Above my head the skies were black with storm,
   And fingers 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 You, Lord, You were too wise to heed
   My feeble prayers, and unsure as I sought,
Since these reach gifts Your bounty has bestowed
   Have brought me more than all I asked or thought;
Giver of good, so answer each request
With Your own giving, better than my best.
Annie Johnson Flint

Reader, The way to peace is to realize that every trial
is traced upon our lives by the One who loves us best.