Ednah Dow Littlehale Cheney (1824–1904)

AT first I prayed for sight;

Could I but see the way,

How gladly would I walk

To everlasting day.

I asked the world’s deep law

Before my eyes to ope,

And let me see my prayers fulfilled,

And realized, my hope;

But God was kinder than my prayer,

And mystery veiled me everywhere.

And next I prayed for strength

That I might tread the road,

With firm unfaltering pace,

To heaven’s serene abode.

That I might never know

A faltering, failing heart;

But manfully go on

And reach the highest part.

But God was kinder than my prayer,

And weakness checked me everywhere.

And then I asked for faith;

Could I but trust my God,

I ’d live in heavenly peace

Though foes were all abroad.

His light thus shining round,

No faltering should I know;

And faith in heaven above

Would make a heaven below;

But God was kinder than my prayer,

And doubts beset me everywhere.

And now I pray for love,

Deep love to God and man;

A love that will not fail,

However dark his plan;

That sees all life in Him,

Rejoicing in his power;

And faithful, though the darkest clouds

Of gloom and doubt may lower.

And God was kinder than my prayer,

Love filled and blessed me everywhere.