IN TIME OF TROUBLE

O God, most wise and faithful Redeemer, who hast permitted us to come into this present trial:  Grant that we may learn obedience by the things that we suffer, and turn to thee, our helper in the time of trouble. 

 May there be no bitterness in our sorrow, no despair in our submission, and no doubt of thee in our perplexity.  

Teach us to face our trial bravely; make even the dark things of life to work together for our good; and bring us speedily out of our distress, that we may praise thee with a joyful heart; in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.

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THE WIND OF SORROW

by: Henry van Dyke (1852-1933)

HE fire of love was burning, yet so low 
That in the dark we scarce could see its rays, 
And in the light of perfect-placid days 
Nothing but smouldering embers dull and slow. 
Vainly, for love's delight, we sought to throw 
New pleasures on the pyre to make it blaze: 
In life's calm air and tranquil prosperous ways 
We missed the radiant heat of long ago. 
Then in the night, a night of sad alarms, 
Bitter with pain and black with fog of fears, 
That drove us trembling to each other's arms-- 
Across the gulf of darkness and salt tears, 
Into life's calm the wind of sorrow came, 
And fanned the fire of love to clearest flame. 

"The Wind of Sorrow" is reprinted from The Little Book of American Poets: 1787-1900. Ed. Jessie B. Rittenhouse. Cambridge: Riverside Press, 1915. 


Henry Van Dyke