Prayer For Guidance Poem by John Bowring

Lead me through this rugged way,
Friend and Father! God and Guide!
Light me through the darksome day,
To a tranquil eventide.


Shepherd of a wandering flock,
Bring me to Thy heavenly fold,
Be my hope-my staff-my rock-
Let me yet Thy peace behold.


Now a midnight darkness spread
O'er me, round me, frights my soul:
Black as mansions of the dead;
Chilling as the icy pole.


I am lost amid the gloom,
If Thy hand refuse to lead,
Raise me from this wretched tomb,
Lift my weary, aching head.


Thou, and Thou alone, canst tell
All the anguish of my breast;
Pangs untold-unspeakable,
Grief that asks in vain for rest.


If they purify my mind-
If they turn my thoughts to Thee:
Bind-the icy fetters, bind!
Welcome every pain to me!