for strength, not ease

Father, hear the prayer we offer:

Not for ease that prayer shall be,

But for strength that we may ever

Live our lives courageously.

Not for ever in green pastures

Do we ask our way to be;

But the steep and rugged pathway

May we tread rejoicingly.

Not for ever by still waters

Would we idly rest and stay;

But would smite the living fountains

From the rocks along the way.

Be our strength in hours of weakness

In our wand'rings be our guide;

Through endeavor, failure, danger,

Father, be there at our side.

-   from Magnificat, September 2017