Grant Me Thy Peace

Discover a heartfelt poem about seeking God's peace, not just at New Year's but in every season.

Lord. . . In hours of joy, in hours of pain or woe, Grant me Thy peace!

Updated December 9, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer

As we step into a new year, we often reflect on what lies ahead—moments of joy, challenges, and uncertainty. Grant Me Thy Peace by Elizabeth Crannell is a heartfelt prayer, reminding us that true peace does not come from wealth, power, or a life free of troubles. Instead, it is the peace that God provides—a peace that "passeth understanding" and sustains us through every season.

This beautiful poem encourages us to seek God’s peace as we embrace the New Year, trusting in His presence to guide us through both joy and sorrow. Whether the days ahead bring calm or storm, it reminds us that His peace can anchor our hearts and strengthen our faith.

Take a moment to reflect on these timeless words as you begin your journey into the year ahead.

Grant Me Thy Peace

Poet: Elizabeth Crannell

Lord, through the coming year I make no plea
For wealth or power; neither that of grief
I have no portion; but where'er I be,
Grant me Thy peace!

I ask not that my days shall pleasure know:
Nor that from sorrow I shall find relief;
In hours of joy, in hours of pain or woe,
Grant me Thy peace!

If storm-clouds lower, if the sky be gray
And lightnings rift the air; if stormy seas
Threaten to me engulf, dear Lord, I pray,
Grant me Thy peace!

If those I trust deny me, or betray,
Till sorrow's chalice holds but bitter lees;
If hopes, long cherished, fail me by the way,
Grant me Thy peace!

If joy bids fair to be my welcome guest
Lest I forget oh, leave me not alone;
But let my happy heart have added zest;
Grant me Thy peace!

That peace which passeth understanding, give.
A peace which deadens pain when hope hath flown
In joy, in grief, whether I die or live,
Grant me Thy peace!

Key Points in this poem:

  • True peace is not tied to external circumstances

    The poet reminds us that peace is not found in wealth, power, or even the absence of hardship. Whether facing stormy seas, betrayal, or cherished hopes that fade, the plea is constant: "Grant me Thy peace." It’s a beautiful message that real peace comes not from what happens to us, but from a calmness only God can provide, regardless of life’s trials.

  • God's peace sustains us in both joy and sorrow

    Life offers moments of both pleasure and pain, yet the poet humbly asks for peace in every season. Even in times of joy, there’s a gentle reminder not to forget the source of our blessings. This peace, described as one "which passeth understanding," steadies the heart in grief and enhances the joy in life’s happiest moments.

  • Peace is a refuge when life disappoints

    The poem reflects on life’s inevitable hardships—broken trust, failed hopes, and stormy days. Instead of asking for freedom from these life struggles, the poet seeks a peace that dulls the pain and gives strength to endure. It’s a heartfelt message that God’s peace is not an escape from life but a shield and comfort through it all.


Conclusion

As we reach the end of this poem, we are reminded that God’s peace is one of the greatest gifts we can seek. Life will bring moments that lift us up and moments that challenge us, yet the peace God offers meets us in every one of them. His peace steadies our steps when the path is hard and fills our hearts with gratitude when joy arrives.

As you move forward into the days ahead, may this simple prayer stay close to your heart. No matter what the year brings, may you pause, breathe, and whisper those same powerful words: Grant me Thy peace. And trust that God, who knows your needs before you speak them, will meet you with comfort, strength, and calm in every season.

When you seek God’s peace, you carry a calm that no storm can shake and a hope that lights every step ahead

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