Let me be Strong

Let me be strong, dear Lord; let me not dread

The road that Thou hast willed my feet to tread;

Let me not fear the shade at close of day,

or the white pain that lingers by the way.

Grant me to see my duty face to face,

And to perform it faithfully, give grace;

Let me not falter, teach me to be true,

Let me do all Thou hast for me to do.

Let me be strong, dear Lord; teach me to smile,

And hide the pain I know not to beguile;

And when the summons comes to kiss the rod

Let me not shrink―let me be strong, O God!

Prayers of an Irish Mother

Brian O'Higgins
Dublin, Ireland
Early 20th century