Olney Hymns (1840)/Book 1/Hymn 76

76.
Prayer for the Lord's promised Presence.—Zech. ii, 10.

1 Son of God, thy people shield!
Must we still thine absence mourn?
Let thy promise be fulfill'd,
Thou hast said, "I will return!"

2 Gracious leader, now appear,
Shine upon us with thy light!
Like the spring, when thou art near,
Days and suns are doubly bright.

3 As a mother counts the days
Till her absent son she see,
Longs and watches, weeps and prays,
So our spirits long for thee.

4 Come and let us feel thee nigh,
Then thy sheep shall feed in peace;
Plenty bless us from on high,
Evil from amongst us cease.

5 With thy love and voice and aid,
Thou canst every care assuage;
Then we shall not be afraid,
Though the world and Satan rage.

6 Thus each day for thee we'll spend,
While our callings we pursue;
And the thoughts of such a friend
Shall each night our joy renew.

7 Let thy light be ne'er withdrawn,
Golden days afford us long!
Thus we pray at early dawn,
This shall be our evening song.