Better Than My Best

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 fiercer 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 answer as I sought, 

Since these rich 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