I first heard this hymn in a song years ago and was reminded of it today.  It’s offered as a prayer not for smooth, easy life, but for us to be able to rejoice and endure hardship with Christ by our side.  I hope you are blessed by it.  You can download a cool version of this in song form from itunes by Eden’s Bridge.

Father, hear the prayer we offer:
not for ease that prayer shall be,
but for strength, that we may ever
live our lives courageously.

Not for ever in green pastures
do we ask our way to be;
but the steep and rugged pathway
may we tread rejoicingly.

Not forever by still waters
would we idly rest and stay;
but would smite the living fountains
from the rocks along our way.

Be our strength in hours of weakness,
in our wanderings be our Guide;
through endeavor, failure, danger,
Savior, be thou at our side.