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I do not ask, O Lord, that life should be
Staff Notation • Sacred, Hymns
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I do not ask, O Lord, that life should be by Joseph Barnby — Lyrics
I do not ask, O Lord, that life may be
A pleasant road;
I do not ask that Thou wouldst take from me
Aught of its load.
For one thing only, Lord, dear Lord, I plead:
Lead me aright,
Though strength should falter and though heart should bleed,
Through peace to light.
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About I do not ask, O Lord, that life should be
Joseph Barnby's setting of "I do not ask, O Lord, that life should be" is a devout anthem for SATB choir. Its English text is a heartfelt plea for spiritual guidance rather than an easier life. The words express a desire for divine direction, even through suffering, acknowledging that true peace comes from following God's will. The composer's music aims to reflect this solemn aspiration, offering a contemplative setting suitable for services. It is a devotional piece that speaks to the enduring human need for faith and steadfastness in the face of adversity, culminating in the hope of ultimate light and peace.
